Indikationsbesprechungen an einer psychosomatisch-psychotherapeutischen poliklinik - Eine explorative feldstudie kurzbericht

Background: There is a lack of research about case conferences held in psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic outpatient units to arrive at a diagnosis and a treatment recommendation. Objective: To determine which patients and which topics are discussed at such conferences. Methods: An independent observer recorded his observations on each case discussed at the case conferences during a six-month period. Results: The patients who were discussed (222 of 470) did not differ significantly in any of the socio-demographic or clinical variables assessed from those who were not dis ussed. If patients had been experienced as "difficult" during the initial consultation, then their behavioral characteristics, their approach to the consultation, and the problems expected during therapy were discussed more at the case conference than if they had not; additionally, the therapists tended to be less sure of themselves with regard to diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Conclusions: The therapeutic alliance is a key factor in the process leading to a diagnosis and a treatment recommendation.