Wenn es uns nicht so schwer gemacht werden würde - Zugangsbarrieren und Optimierungspotenziale zur Kinder- und Jugendrehabilitation aus Perspektive der Kinder- und Jugendärzte

Objective The study explores barriers impeding the access to pediatric rehabilitation and potential for optimization from the pediatricians' perspective. Methods Semi-structured expert interviews (N=25) and focus groups (N=3) with pediatricians were conducted and analyzed according to the method of Meuser & Nagel. The results were discussed within an expert group consisting of representatives of the statutory pension insurance and the professional association of pediatricians. Results Barriers appear due to information deficits regarding carrier-oriented access criteria. A perceived time-consuming application, high refusal rates with insufficient reasons and a lack of feedback from the carrier to the physician inhibit the application motivation. Mentioned improvements refer to a direct feedback of the application decision to the physician, case-specific reasons for refusal, physician oriented information as well as an increased presence of rehabilitation at pediatric congresses and medical trainings. Conclusion To strengthen the role of rehabilitation in pediatric care improved information and knowledge in the allocation and submission of rehabilitation applications of primary care physicians is needed as well as an enhanced communication between rehabilitation carriers and physicians.