Conceptual Framework of a Psychotherapeutic Consultation in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 12;19(22):14894. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192214894.

Abstract

(1) Background: A new health care offer called 'psychotherapeutic consultation in the workplace' is an early and effective intervention for employees with common mental disorders. Although cost-effective, it lacks a broader roll-out. This might be attributable to undefined context, mechanisms of change, and a lack of communication; therefore, this study explores how the new model works and where problems occur. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews on motivation, expectations and experiences with 20 involved experts. Experts were members of the company health promotion team, service users, and cooperating mental health specialists. Analysis was conducted with ATLAS.ti. (3) Results: The conceptual framework comprises three main topics: (a) structured implementation concept; (b) persons involved, shaping the concept's processes; (c) and meaning and function of the offer within the given context. Concerning (c) we found three potential areas of conflict: (1) intra-corporate conflicts, (2) conflicts between company and employee, (3) and conflicts between the company health promotion and the health care system. Category (c) comprises the offer's core characteristics which were described as low-threshold and preventive. Furthermore, the offer was perceived as convenient in handling, confidential, and having immediate impact on a person's well-being. (4) Conclusions: Here we define structures, address the needs of the involved persons, and communicate foreseeable areas of conflict influences whether the implementation of the intervention succeeds.

Keywords: company health promotion; complex intervention; depression; early intervention; grounded theory methodology; health services research; mental health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Referral and Consultation*
  • Workplace

Grants and funding

The study was supported by the young scientists’ program run by the German network Health Services Research Baden-Württemberg of the Department of Science, Research and Arts in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Social Order, Family, Women, and Senior Citizens, Baden-Württemberg. In addition, the company CASSIDIAN supported the evaluation of the PSIW in the context of company health management. The work of the Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research Tübingen is supported by an unrestricted grant of the employers’ association of the metal and electric industry Baden-Württemberg (Südwestmetall).