Karin Meng

DGRW-Update: Patientenschulung

Patient education programmes, i. e. standardized, manualized, interactive group programmes aiming to increase self-management and empowerment, are a core element of medical rehabilitation for chronic conditions. In an update of the evidence of the effectiveness of patient education, its effectiveness was proven for a broad spectrum of chronic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, bronchial asthma, COPD, and cancer, as well as for the modification of health behaviours, such as diet and exercise. To sustain effects, aftercare interventions, such as support provided by phone, were found to be successful. Interventions targeted to particular patient groups according to gender, age, or migration background are also being developed more frequently. When evaluating educational interventions not only distal outcomes, such as quality of life and participation, should be used but also proximal outcomes such as self-management skills. A recent survey of patient education practice in medical rehabilitation revealed a continuing potential for optimization relative to manualization, evaluation and didactics. However, the dissemination of innovative programmes into rehabilitation routine presents a major challenge.

Innovative Schulungskonzepte in der medizinischen Rehabilitation

Patient education aims to empower rehabilitants. While patient education has, in the past, been conceived of as providing solely information, modern self-management concepts now focus on both behavioral competencies and motivational factors. Participants receive all the skills and tools necessary to make informed decisions regarding both their health and lifestyles and to actively participate in the rehabilitation process. Accordingly, didactic methods have changed from predominantly vertical lectures to more patient-oriented and interactive approaches. Meta-analyses have proven that patient education is effective in improving the chronic conditions of patients. However, the implementation of modern concepts into routine care is still suboptimal. The Center of Patient Education, funded by the German Statutory Pension Insurance, has performed a survey of the present state of patient education within medical rehabilitation programs in Germany. Furthermore, quality criteria for patient education have been developed, an internet database presenting self-management programs in a systematic manner has been created, and various services designed to improve educational practice are being offered by the Center of Patient Education. Lastly, a state-of-the-art, self-management education program is described.ZusammenfassungModerne Patientenschulung dient dem Empowerment von Rehabilitanden. Während traditionellerweise unter Schulung meist Wissensvermittlung verstanden wurde, stellen aktuelle Konzepte Handlungskompetenzen und motivationale Faktoren in den Mittelpunkt. Den Teilnehmern sollen Strategien und Fertigkeiten zur Verfügung gestellt werden, um informierte Entscheidungen und Selbstmanagement hinsichtlich Gesundheit und Lebensstil vornehmen zu können. Entsprechend hat sich die Didaktik weg vom Frontalvortrag hin zu einem interaktiven, teilnehmerorientierten Vorgehen gewandelt. Metaanalysen dokumentieren, dass eine derart konzipierte Patientenschulung wirksam ist. Allerdings besteht bei der Implementierung neuartiger Programme in der Praxis noch Optimierungsbedarf. Das von der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund geförderte Zentrum Patientenschulung hat eine Bestandsaufnahme der Schulungspraxis vorgenommen, Qualitätskriterien für Schulungen entwickelt, eine Internetdatenbank geschaffen, in der Schulungen nutzerfreundlich präsentiert werden, und bietet vielfältige Dienstleistungen zur Optimierung der Schulungspraxis an. Am Beispiel eines innovativen Programms wird der State of the Art bei der Schulung in der medizinischen Rehabilitation vorgestellt.AbstractPatient education aims to empower rehabilitants. While patient education has, in the past, been conceived of as providing solely information, modern self-management concepts now focus on both behavioral competencies and motivational factors. Participants receive all the skills and tools necessary to make informed decisions regarding both their health and lifestyles and to actively participate in the rehabilitation process. Accordingly, didactic methods have changed from predominantly vertical lectures to more patient-oriented and interactive approaches. Meta-analyses have proven that patient education is effective in improving the chronic conditions of patients. However, the implementation of modern concepts into routine care is still suboptimal. The Center of Patient Education, funded by the German Statutory Pension Insurance, has performed a survey of the present state of patient education within medical rehabilitation programs in Germany. Furthermore, quality criteria for patient education have been developed, an internet database presenting self-management programs in a systematic manner has been created, and various services designed to improve educational practice are being offered by the Center of Patient Education. Lastly, a state-of-the-art, self-management education program is described.

Long-Term Effects of Interprofessional Biopsychosocial Rehabilitation for Adults with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Multicentre, Quasi-Experimental Study

Background Improvement of the long-term effectiveness of multidisciplinary ortho-paedic rehabilitation (MOR) in the management of chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP) remains a central issue for health care in Germany. We developed an interprofessional and interdisciplinary, biopsychosocial rehabilitation concept named “PASTOR” to promote self-management in adults with CLBP and compared its effectiveness with the current model of MOR. Methods A multicentre quasi-experimental study with three measurement time points was implemented. 680 adults aged 18 to 65 with CLBP were assed for eligibil-ity in three inpatient rehabilitation centres in Germany. At first the effects of the MOR, with a total extent of 48 hours (control group), were assessed. Thereafter, PASTOR was implemented and evaluated in the same centres (intervention group). It consisted of six interprofessional modules, which were provided on 12 days in fixed groups, with a total extent of 48 hours. Participants were assessed with self-report measures at baseline, discharge, and 12 months for functional ability (primary outcome) using the Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire (FFbH-R) and vari-ous secondary outcomes (e.g. pain, health status, physical activity, pain coping, pain-related cognitions). Results In total 536 participants were consecutively assigned to PASTOR (n=266) or MOR (n=270). At 12 months, complete data of 368 participants was available. The adjusted between-group difference in the FFbH-R at 12 months was 6.58 (95% CI 3.38 to 9.78) using complete data and 3.56 (95% CI 0.45 to 6.67) using available da-ta, corresponding to significant small-to-medium effect sizes of d=0.42 (p<0.001) and d=0.10 (p=0.025) in favour of PASTOR. Further improvements in secondary out-comes were also observed in favour of PASTOR. Conclusion The interprofessional and interdisciplinary, biopsychosocial rehabilita-tion program PASTOR shows some improvements of the long-term effectiveness of inpatient rehabilitation in the management of adults with CLBP. Further insights into mechanisms of action of complex intervention programs are required. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02056951

Symptoms of depression and anxiety as predictors of physical functioning in breast cancer patients. A prospective study using path analysis

Abstract Background: Although symptoms of depression and anxiety are linked to health-related quality of life (HRQoL), the nature of this relationship remained unclear. We therefore aimed to examine, in a prospective study, both possible directions of impact in this relationship. To avoid conceptual and measurement overlap between depressive and anxiety symptoms, on the one hand, and HRQoL, on the other hand, we focused on the physical functioning component of HRQoL. Material and methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study with 436 female breast cancer patients (mean age 51 years). Both at baseline and after 12 months, we measured symptoms of depression and anxiety with the four-item Patient Heath Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and physical functioning with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Using path analysis, we estimated (1) the predictive value of symptoms of depression/anxiety for subsequent physical functioning and (2) the predictive value of physical functioning for subsequent symptoms of depression/anxiety, in the same model. Results: Baseline symptoms of depression/anxiety predicted 1-year levels of physical functioning (depression: standardized β =  −.09, p = .024; anxiety: standardized β =  −.10, p = .009), while the reciprocal paths linking baseline physical functioning to subsequent depressive and anxiety symptoms were not significant, adjusting for the baseline scores of all outcome variables. Conclusions: Depressive and anxiety symptoms were predictors of the physical functioning component of HRQoL. Thus, if this relation is causal, treating breast cancer patients’ depressive and anxiety symptoms may have a favorable impact on their self-reported physical functioning.

Is there a role of depressive symptoms in the fear-avoidance model? A structural equation approach

Abstract The fear-avoidance (FA) model has gained widespread acceptance as a conceptual framework for investigating psychological factors such as FA beliefs and avoidance behavior, which contribute to chronic back pain and reduced functioning. Depressive symptoms are supposed to be related to FA beliefs and to foster avoidance behavior. This study aims to investigate the multivariate assumptions of the FA model with a focus on the role of depressive symptoms. A total of N = 360 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain at admission of inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation participated in the survey. Measures included a numeric pain rating scale, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale, Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we construed a basic FA model and subsequently extended it by adding symptoms of depression as a covariate. The results of SEM indicated a good model fit for a basic FA model (χ²(263) = 431.069, p < .001, RMSEA = .042, CFI = .964, WRMR = .986). They confirmed the hypothesized relations and supported single mediations of the relationship between pain and functioning by FA beliefs and avoidance behavior. A second model including symptoms of depression as additional covariate (χ²(511) = 722.761, p < .001, RMSEA = .034, CFI = .956, WRMR = .949) showed a high impact of depressive symptoms on all FA model variables leading to a decrease of the FA mediations. The findings provide empirical support for the multivariate FA model and underline the importance of considering depressive symptoms in a multiple-target approach to understand the mechanisms of chronic pain.

Der Einfluss von 2 Implementierungsinterventionen auf die Implementierungsgüte einer standardisierten Rückenschulung in der orthopädischen Rehabilitation

STUDY OBJECTIVE Evaluation of the effectiveness of 2 implementation interventions - train-the-trainer workshops (TTT) and written implementation guideline (GL) - in terms of implementation fidelity of a back-training school within inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation. METHODS An implementation trial was conducted using a mixed-methods approach for outcome evaluation in 10 rehabilitation clinics randomly assigned to the interventions. Data were assessed by questionnaires and observation forms. RESULTS Trainers in the TTT condition, as compared to trainers in the GL condition, rated both their patient-oriented back school practice (d=1.37) and achievement of manual-based educational goals (W=0.18) significantly higher. Patients in the TTT condition showed significantly higher treatment satisfaction compared to patients in the GL condition (d=0.44). There were no significant group effects regarding the observed fidelity. CONCLUSIONS An interactive TTT showed several benefits with regard to subjective outcomes compared to a written guideline.

Innovative concepts for patient education in medical rehabilitation

Patient education aims to empower rehabilitants. While patient education has, in the past, been conceived of as providing solely information, modern self-management concepts now focus on both behavioral competencies and motivational factors. Participants receive all the skills and tools necessary to make informed decisions regarding both their health and lifestyles and to actively participate in the rehabilitation process. Accordingly, didactic methods have changed from predominantly vertical lectures to more patient-oriented and interactive approaches. Meta-analyses have proven that patient education is effective in improving the chronic conditions of patients. However, the implementation of modern concepts into routine care is still suboptimal. The Center of Patient Education, funded by the German Statutory Pension Insurance, has performed a survey of the present state of patient education within medical rehabilitation programs in Germany. Furthermore, quality criteria for patient education have been developed, an internet database presenting self-management programs in a systematic manner has been created, and various services designed to improve educational practice are being offered by the Center of Patient Education. Lastly, a state-of-the-art, self-management education program is described.ZusammenfassungModerne Patientenschulung dient dem Empowerment von Rehabilitanden. Während traditionellerweise unter Schulung meist Wissensvermittlung verstanden wurde, stellen aktuelle Konzepte Handlungskompetenzen und motivationale Faktoren in den Mittelpunkt. Den Teilnehmern sollen Strategien und Fertigkeiten zur Verfügung gestellt werden, um informierte Entscheidungen und Selbstmanagement hinsichtlich Gesundheit und Lebensstil vornehmen zu können. Entsprechend hat sich die Didaktik weg vom Frontalvortrag hin zu einem interaktiven, teilnehmerorientierten Vorgehen gewandelt. Metaanalysen dokumentieren, dass eine derart konzipierte Patientenschulung wirksam ist. Allerdings besteht bei der Implementierung neuartiger Programme in der Praxis noch Optimierungsbedarf. Das von der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund geförderte Zentrum Patientenschulung hat eine Bestandsaufnahme der Schulungspraxis vorgenommen, Qualitätskriterien für Schulungen entwickelt, eine Internetdatenbank geschaffen, in der Schulungen nutzerfreundlich präsentiert werden, und bietet vielfältige Dienstleistungen zur Optimierung der Schulungspraxis an. Am Beispiel eines innovativen Programms wird der State of the Art bei der Schulung in der medizinischen Rehabilitation vorgestellt.AbstractPatient education aims to empower rehabilitants. While patient education has, in the past, been conceived of as providing solely information, modern self-management concepts now focus on both behavioral competencies and motivational factors. Participants receive all the skills and tools necessary to make informed decisions regarding both their health and lifestyles and to actively participate in the rehabilitation process. Accordingly, didactic methods have changed from predominantly vertical lectures to more patient-oriented and interactive approaches. Meta-analyses have proven that patient education is effective in improving the chronic conditions of patients. However, the implementation of modern concepts into routine care is still suboptimal. The Center of Patient Education, funded by the German Statutory Pension Insurance, has performed a survey of the present state of patient education within medical rehabilitation programs in Germany. Furthermore, quality criteria for patient education have been developed, an internet database presenting self-management programs in a systematic manner has been created, and various services designed to improve educational practice are being offered by the Center of Patient Education. Lastly, a state-of-the-art, self-management education program is described.

Experiences of Rehabilitation Professionals with the Implementation of a Back School for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Study

A standardized curriculum back school (CBS) has been recommended for further dissemination in medical rehabilitation in Germany. However, implementation of self-management education programs into practice is challenging. In low back pain care, individual factors of professionals could be decisive regarding implementation fidelity. The study aim was to explore attitudes and experiences of professionals who conducted the back school. Qualitative interviews were led with 45 rehabilitation professionals. The data were examined using thematic analysis. Three central themes were identified: (a) “back school as a common thread,” (b) “theory versus practice,” and (c) “participation and patient-centeredness.” The CBS and its manual were frequently described positively because they provide structure. However, specified time was mentioned critically and there were heterogeneous perceptions regarding flexibility in conducting the CBS. Theory and practice in the CBS were discussed concerning amount, distribution, and conjunction. Participation and patient-centeredness were mainly mentioned in terms of amount and heterogeneity of participation as well as the demand for competences of professionals. Factors were detected that may either positively or negatively influence the implementation fidelity of self-management education programs. The results are explorative and provide potential explanatory mechanisms for behavior and acceptance of rehabilitation professionals regarding the implementation of biopsychosocial back schools.

The prospective relationship between satisfaction with information and symptoms of depression and anxiety in breast cancer. A structural equation modeling analysis

Previous research has demonstrated associations between satisfaction with information and reduced emotional distress in cancer patients. However, as most studies were cross‐sectional, the direction of this relationship remained unclear. We therefore aimed to test whether information satisfaction predicted subsequent depression and anxiety levels, and, reciprocally, depression and anxiety levels predicted subsequent information satisfaction, thus clarifying the direction of impact.

Innovative Schulungskonzepte in der medizinischen Rehabilitation@@@Innovative concepts for patient education in medical rehabilitation

Patient education aims to empower rehabilitants. While patient education has, in the past, been conceived of as providing solely information, modern self-management concepts now focus on both behavioral competencies and motivational factors. Participants receive all the skills and tools necessary to make informed decisions regarding both their health and lifestyles and to actively participate in the rehabilitation process. Accordingly, didactic methods have changed from predominantly vertical lectures to more patient-oriented and interactive approaches. Meta-analyses have proven that patient education is effective in improving the chronic conditions of patients. However, the implementation of modern concepts into routine care is still suboptimal. The Center of Patient Education, funded by the German Statutory Pension Insurance, has performed a survey of the present state of patient education within medical rehabilitation programs in Germany. Furthermore, quality criteria for patient education have been developed, an internet database presenting self-management programs in a systematic manner has been created, and various services designed to improve educational practice are being offered by the Center of Patient Education. Lastly, a state-of-the-art, self-management education program is described.ZusammenfassungModerne Patientenschulung dient dem Empowerment von Rehabilitanden. Während traditionellerweise unter Schulung meist Wissensvermittlung verstanden wurde, stellen aktuelle Konzepte Handlungskompetenzen und motivationale Faktoren in den Mittelpunkt. Den Teilnehmern sollen Strategien und Fertigkeiten zur Verfügung gestellt werden, um informierte Entscheidungen und Selbstmanagement hinsichtlich Gesundheit und Lebensstil vornehmen zu können. Entsprechend hat sich die Didaktik weg vom Frontalvortrag hin zu einem interaktiven, teilnehmerorientierten Vorgehen gewandelt. Metaanalysen dokumentieren, dass eine derart konzipierte Patientenschulung wirksam ist. Allerdings besteht bei der Implementierung neuartiger Programme in der Praxis noch Optimierungsbedarf. Das von der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund geförderte Zentrum Patientenschulung hat eine Bestandsaufnahme der Schulungspraxis vorgenommen, Qualitätskriterien für Schulungen entwickelt, eine Internetdatenbank geschaffen, in der Schulungen nutzerfreundlich präsentiert werden, und bietet vielfältige Dienstleistungen zur Optimierung der Schulungspraxis an. Am Beispiel eines innovativen Programms wird der State of the Art bei der Schulung in der medizinischen Rehabilitation vorgestellt.AbstractPatient education aims to empower rehabilitants. While patient education has, in the past, been conceived of as providing solely information, modern self-management concepts now focus on both behavioral competencies and motivational factors. Participants receive all the skills and tools necessary to make informed decisions regarding both their health and lifestyles and to actively participate in the rehabilitation process. Accordingly, didactic methods have changed from predominantly vertical lectures to more patient-oriented and interactive approaches. Meta-analyses have proven that patient education is effective in improving the chronic conditions of patients. However, the implementation of modern concepts into routine care is still suboptimal. The Center of Patient Education, funded by the German Statutory Pension Insurance, has performed a survey of the present state of patient education within medical rehabilitation programs in Germany. Furthermore, quality criteria for patient education have been developed, an internet database presenting self-management programs in a systematic manner has been created, and various services designed to improve educational practice are being offered by the Center of Patient Education. Lastly, a state-of-the-art, self-management education program is described.