[Implementation of the Requirements of the Federal Participation Act in Rehabilitation Counseling - A Triangulation of Socio-legal Analysis, Questionnaire Survey and Interview Study].

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present the social law requirements for rehabilitation counseling following the Bundesteilhabegesetz (Federal Participation Act; BTHG) and to demonstrate, through questionnaire and interview data, how these aspects are currently being implemented.Using a mixed-methods study, a sociolegal analysis was conducted using the classical legal scientific methodology. We additionally used questionnaires at two time points to assess, among others, the clients' subjective appraisal of counseling. A total of 33 semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with rehabilitation counselors, clients, and social service staff from rehabilitation centers. All results were thematically structured and triangulated. Data were collected as part of the research project "Accompanying the Implementation of the Federal Participation Act within the Framework of Rehabilitation Counseling" between October 2022 and February 2024.As a result of the BTHG, requirements for rehabilitation counseling were further emphasized and specified. This particularly pertains to participation in the planning process, development and expansion of networks, early-stage information provision, the right to choose providers, and counseling in rehabilitation clinics. For example, 73% (n=75) reported that they had been informed about their rights and entitlements; however, 4 out of 17 insured individuals stated that they were unfamiliar with the term or content of the right to choose. Counseling in clinics was considered important by all interviewees. Overall, rehabilitation counseling as currently practised meets only partially the requirements specified by the BTHG.The results demonstrate the high and diverse demands that the BTHG places on rehabilitation counseling.