Return to Work nach psychischen Krisen: Das Vier- Phasen-Modell der Wiedereingliederung – Eine vertiefende Erörterung von Erkenntnissen aus zwei Studien

Return to work after a mental crisis: the four-phase model of reintegration – A detailed discussion of findings from two studies Background: Mental illnesses are the second most common diagnostic cause of sick leave in Germany. They increase the risk of unemployment and early disability pension. At the same time, reintegration into the workplace after a mental crisis is experienced as a challenge and is accompanied by uncertainty. Methods: The four-phase model is based on the results of a qualitative study. In this study 20 return-to-work experts were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using the documentary method. This was supplemented by a qualitative longitudinal study in which 32 returned employees were interviewed. The employees‘ perspectives on the RTW process were reconstructed, which served to further differentiate the model. Results: The model provides concrete suggestions for how individual, social and workplace conditions can be created in the return to work process in order to sustainably support reintegration after a mental health crisis. The key aspects are systematized into four phases. The model focuses on professional support that assists the self-efficacy of the returnees and keeps an eye on working conditions and relationships. Conclusions: Sustainable reintegration is a systemic, open-ended and cooperative search process. It is flexible, oriented to the needs of the returnees and combines individual and company interests and resources. Good operational integration management not only depends on the motivation and behaviour of those returning or on the medical and therapeutic results, but is also shaped substantially by the working conditions and social interaction in the company and how the occupational integration management is organised. Keywords: return to work – mental health crisis – occupational reintegration – qualitative study – four-phase model