[Use of complementary and alternative medicine in chronic pain : A survey among patients in a pain clinic]. / Anwendung von Komplementärmedizin bei chronischen Schmerzen : Eine Fragebogenerhebung unter Patienten einer Schmerztagesklinik.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain patients represent the population with the highest use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Current data on the usage, prescription and reasons for using CAM in Germany remain unclear and have not yet been published. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate details regarding interest and use as well as reasons for using CAM in chronic pain patients. METHODS: In all, 60 of 64 consecutive patients referred to the multimodal pain therapy program in a specialized day hospital participated in the study. In addition to the German Pain Questionnaire, patients answered a self-developed questionnaire on CAM use. CAM was defined according to the guidelines of the NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health). RESULTS: The study showed that 96.7% of patients were interested in CAM and all 60 participants had used CAM to influence pain (3-26 different CAM modalities, median: 12). The most frequently used were massage (95%), acupuncture (73%), nutriceuticals and vitamin preparations (72% each). The success of the therapies was predominantly evaluated as short-lasting. CAM was often prescribed by a specialist (61.7%) or family doctor (60%). For most patients, the greatest motivation for using CAM was the desire to become active themselves (76.7%). Greater impairment due to pain was associated with increased use of biological CAM methods, while higher pain intensity was associated with decreased use of biological and alternative CAM methods. CONCLUSIONS: The high use of CAM in chronic pain patients highlights the need for physicians to have adequate medical knowledge about each CAM modality and to communicate competently with the patients about them.

Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Consultation-Liaison Services in General Hospitals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effects on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric and psychosomatic consultation-liaison services (CL) are important providers of diagnosis and treatment for hospital patients with mental comorbidities and psychological burdens. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the effects of CL on depression and anxiety. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted until 2017. Included were published randomized controlled trials using CL interventions with adults in general hospitals, treatment as usual as control groups, and depression and/or anxiety as outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Level of integration was assessed using the Standard Framework for Levels of Integrated Healthcare. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models and meta-regression for moderator effects. RESULTS: We included 38 studies (9,994 patients). Risk of bias was high in 17, unclear in 15, and low in 6 studies. Studies were grouped by type of intervention: brief interventions tailored to the patients (8), interventions based on specific treatment manuals (19), and integrated, collaborative care (11). Studies showed small to medium effects on depression and anxiety. Meta-analyses for depression yielded a small effect (d = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.09) in manual studies and a small effect (d = -0.33, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.13) in integrated, collaborative care studies, the latter using mostly active control groups with the possibility of traditional consultation. CONCLUSIONS: CL can provide a helpful first treatment for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Given that especially depressive symptoms in medically ill patients are long-lasting, the results underline the benefit of integrative approaches that respect the complexity of the illness.

A European Research Agenda for Somatic Symptom Disorders, Bodily Distress Disorders, and Functional Disorders: Results of an Estimate-Talk-Estimate Delphi Expert Study.

Background: Somatic Symptom Disorders (SSD), Bodily Distress Disorders (BDD) and functional disorders (FD) are associated with high medical and societal costs and pose a substantial challenge to the population and health policy of Europe. To meet this challenge, a specific research agenda is needed as one of the cornerstones of sustainable mental health research and health policy for SSD, BDD, and FD in Europe. Aim: To identify the main challenges and research priorities concerning SSD, BDD, and FD from a European perspective. Methods: Delphi study conducted from July 2016 until October 2017 in 3 rounds with 3 workshop meetings and 3 online surveys, involving 75 experts and 21 European countries. EURONET-SOMA and the European Association of Psychosomatic Medicine (EAPM) hosted the meetings. Results: Eight research priorities were identified: (1) Assessment of diagnostic profiles relevant to course and treatment outcome. (2) Development and evaluation of new, effective interventions. (3) Validation studies on questionnaires or semi-structured interviews that assess chronic medical conditions in this context. (4) Research into patients preferences for diagnosis and treatment. (5) Development of new methodologic designs to identify and explore mediators and moderators of clinical course and treatment outcomes (6). Translational research exploring how psychological and somatic symptoms develop from somatic conditions and biological and behavioral pathogenic factors. (7) Development of new, effective interventions to personalize treatment. (8) Implementation studies of treatment interventions in different settings, such as primary care, occupational care, general hospital and specialty mental health settings. The general public and policymakers will benefit from the development of new, effective, personalized interventions for SSD, BDD, and FD, that will be enhanced by translational research, as well as from the outcomes of research into patient involvement, GP-patient communication, consultation-liaison models and implementation. Conclusion: Funding for this research agenda, targeting these challenges in coordinated research networks such as EURONET-SOMA and EAPM, and systematically allocating resources by policymakers to this critical area in mental and physical well-being is urgently needed to improve efficacy and impact for diagnosis and treatment of SSD, BDD, and FD across Europe.

[Effects of psychosomatic treatment for the elderly on cognition and quality of life : Naturalistic study at the psychosomatic day care hospital for the elderly in Nuremberg]. / Einfluss einer psychosomatischen Behandlung für Ältere auf Kognition und Lebensqualität : Naturalistische Studie an der Psychosomatischen Tagesklinik für Ältere am Klinikum Nürnberg.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In 2006 the psychosomatic day care hospital for the treatment of acute mental illness of elderly people opened as the first clinic of its kind in Germany. The aim of the study was to determine treatment effectiveness regarding quality of life and cognition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Designed as a naturalistic study of a population sample of 116 patients, the cognitive capacity (memory performance and cognitive speed) and the subjective quality of life were measured by the Nuremberg aging inventory (NAI) and the World Health Organization quality of life for elderly persons (WHOQOL-OLD). The patients were surveyed at four points in time including at 8­month follow-up. A 5-week waiting time before admission to the 5­week therapy was implemented as a control condition. RESULTS: In comparison with the waiting time, after treatment significant improvement (<0.05) was found in cognitive capacity and quality of life. Effect sizes were partly small and mostly moderate (ES 0.2-1.0) with larger effect sizes in the quality of life than in the cognitive domain. Improvements of cognition and quality of life remained stable at follow-up (admission to follow-up ES 0.1-1.0). No correlation was found between cognitive improvement and reduction of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the psychosomatic day care hospital treatment of the elderly improves subjective quality of life and cognitive capacity.

[Psychosomatic medicine in old age]. / Psychosomatik im Alter.

Approximately 25% of people over 65 years old suffer from psychiatric disorders but in cases of simultaneously occurring somatic diseases the prevalence is increased. Sickness, loss of important reference persons and life crises in older age often reactivate traumatic experiences from earlier life stages. It can be difficult to differentiate between psychological disorders and the psychological symptoms accompanying somatic illness. The biographic medical history and estimation of cognitive skills within a geriatric basis assessment should be standard in geriatric diagnostics. Psychological disorders are often overlooked or inadequately treated in older people. In the case of psychopharmacological treatment, effects on somatic sickness as well as drug-drug interactions have to be kept in mind. Psychotherapeutic approaches focusing on resources and social support particularly in group therapy seem to be very helpful.

[Evaluation of the German Version of the "INTERMED-Self-Assessment"-Questionnaire (IM-SA) to Assess Case Complexity]. / Evaluation der deutschsprachigen Version des "INTERMED-Self-Assessment"- Fragebogens (IM-SA) zur Erfassung von Patienten mit komplexem Versorgungsbedarf.

INTRODUCTION: The INTERMED- interview (IM-CAG=INTERMED complexity assessment grid) is a well validated instrument for the identification of complex patients in need of integrated health care (score ≥21). The IM-SA (INTERMED self-assessment)-questionnaire, derived from the INTERMED- interview, was developed in cooperation with the international INTERMED group in order to facilitate its use in various clinical settings and to foster the patients' perspective on health-care needs. METHODS: The German version of the IM-SA was evaluated in a clinical sample (n=136) of psychosomatic outpatients and compared to the IM-CAG. Construct validity was examined by analyzing the correlations of the IM-SA with quality-of-life (SF-36) and anxiety/depression (HADS). Sensitivity and specificity for the identification of complex patients were examined by using ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis. RESULTS: The correlations between the total score and the subscales of the IM-SA, compared to the INTERMED, were high (total score r=0.79 (95%-KI: [0.70; 0.85]). Cronbach's α was 0.77, and construct validity was high (SF-36 mental component score: r=-0.57; HADS Depression: r=0.59). The IM-SA total score was significantly lower compared to IM-CAG, mainly because of low IM-SA scores in the somatic domain. According to ROC analysis, the IM-SA-cut-off for identifying complex patients has to be lowered (score ≥17). DISCUSSION: The IM-SA can be used as an instrument to identify complex patients in need of integrated bio-psycho-social care. CONCLUSION: The IM-SA is a reliable instrument to be used in various clinical settings to identify complex patients and to provide integrated, bio-psycho-social care.

The Interdisciplinary Management of Acute Chest Pain.

BACKGROUND: Acute chest pain of non-traumatic origin is a common reason for presentation to physician's offices and emergency rooms. Coronary heart disease is the cause in up to 25% of cases. Because acute chest pain, depending on its etiology, may be associated with a high risk of death, rapid, goal-oriented management is mandatory. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent articles and guidelines retrieved by a selective search in PubMed. RESULTS: History-taking, physical examination, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) are the first steps in the differential diagnostic process and generally allow the identification of features signifying a high risk of lifethreatening illness. If the ECG reveals ST-segment elevation, cardiac catheterization is indicated. The timedependent measurement of highly sensitive troponin values is a reliable test for the diagnosis or exclusion of acute myocardial infarction. A wide variety of other potential causes (e.g., vascular, musculoskeletal, gastroenterologic, or psychosomatic) must be identified from the history if they are to be treated appropriately. Elderly patients need special attention. CONCLUSION: Acute chest pain is a major diagnostic challenge for the physician. Common errors are traceable to non-recognition of important causes and to an inadequate diagnostic work-up. Future studies should be designed to help optimize the interdisciplinary management of patients with chest pain.

Updates in Psychosomatic Medicine: 2014.

BACKGROUND: The amount of literature published annually related to psychosomatic medicine is vast; this poses a challenge for practitioners to keep up-to-date in all but a small area of expertise. OBJECTIVES: To introduce how a group process using volunteer experts can be harnessed to provide clinicians with a manageable selection of important publications in psychosomatic medicine, organized by specialty area, for 2014. METHODS: We used quarterly annotated abstracts selected by experts from the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine and the European Association of Psychosomatic Medicine in 15 subspecialties to create a list of important articles. RESULTS: In 2014, subspecialty experts selected 88 articles of interest for practitioners of psychosomatic medicine. For this review, 14 articles were chosen. CONCLUSIONS: A group process can be used to whittle down the vast literature in psychosomatic medicine and compile a list of important articles for individual practitioners. Such an approach is consistent with the idea of physicians as lifelong learners and educators.

Assessing psychosocial vulnerability and care needs of pretransplant patients by means of the INTERMED.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether the INTERMED, a generic instrument for assessing biopsychosocial case complexity and direct care, identifies organ transplant patients at risk of unfavourable post-transplant development by comparing it to the Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale (TERS), the established measure for pretransplant psychosocial evaluation. METHOD: One hundred nineteen kidney, liver, and heart transplant candidates were evaluated using the INTERMED, TERS, SF-36, EuroQol, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: We found significant relationships between the INTERMED and the TERS scores. The INTERMED highly correlated with the HADS,MADRS, and mental and physical health scores of the SF-36 Health Survey. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the validity and usefulness of the INTERMED instrument for pretransplant evaluation. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate the different qualities of INTERMED and TERS in clinical practice. The advantages of the psychiatric focus of the TERS and the biopsychosocial perspective of the INTERMED are discussed in the context of current literature on integrated care.

Effectiveness of a psychosomatic day hospital treatment for the elderly: a naturalistic longitudinal study with waiting time before treatment as control condition.

OBJECTIVE: In 2006 the psychosomatic day hospital for the treatment of acute mental illness of elderly people opened as the first clinic of its kind in Germany. The aim of this study was to determine treatment effectiveness and identify possible effects on health care utilization. METHODS: Designed as a naturalistic study with waiting time before admission as a control condition, the primary outcome was the level of depressive symptoms as measured by the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Secondary outcomes were depressive and somatoform symptoms and syndromes as measured with the patient health questionnaire, patient perception of interpersonal problems and health care use before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment significant improvement (p<0.01) with moderate effect sizes (ES) was found in all variables from admission to discharge (ES from 0.3 to 0.8) and also to follow-up (ES from 0.2 to 0.6). Improvement remained stable at follow-up. Furthermore, after psychosomatic treatment a reduction in medical service usage was visible. Number of consultations (pre: 13, post: 9), number and length of hospital stays (pre: 1, 7 weeks, post: 0, 3 weeks) were both significantly (p<0.001) reduced six months after treatment as compared to the period six months prior to treatment. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that the psychosomatic day hospital treatment of the elderly is successful. Reduced usage of health care and the lower costs for day hospital treatment compared to inpatient treatment point to a positive cost-effect-ratio. Expanding this psychosomatic intervention would be useful in reducing the current gap in mental health care for the elderly.

Reliable integrative assessment of health care needs in elderly persons: the INTERMED for the Elderly (IM-E).

OBJECTIVE: With the increasing prevalence of multiple conditions in older age, the high prevalence of mental disorders, and the many social challenges facing elderly people, a high-risk patient group in need of interdisciplinary (biological, psychological, and social) care is emerging. The INTERMED interview is an integrative assessment method that identifies patients with complex health care needs. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the INTERMED for the Elderly (IM-E), specifically for use in populations of elderly persons. METHODS: In focus groups conducted with the authors of the original INTERMED, the variables and anchor points that had to be adjusted to the needs and situation of the elderly and to the demands of a population-based study were discussed and altered. The final version of the IM-E was conducted with 42 elderly persons. Participants were doubly scored by two trained raters; the interrater reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2,1)] was calculated. RESULTS: The IM-E was well accepted by the elderly persons interviewed. ICCs for the various domains of the IM-E ranged between .87 and .95, while the ICC for the sum score was .95. Regarding the cutoff point of 20/21 for patients with complex health care needs, a κ of .75 was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The IM-E is a reliable integrative assessment instrument. It is well suited for epidemiological settings to adequately describe the percentage of elderly patients with complex health care needs. In clinical settings, it can be used to identify elderly patients in need of interdisciplinary care.

European guidelines for training in consultation-liaison psychiatry and psychosomatics: report of the EACLPP Workgroup on Training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics.

OBJECTIVE: The European Association of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics (EACLPP) has organized a workgroup to establish consensus on the contents and organization of training in consultation-liaison (C-L) for psychiatric and psychosomatic residents. METHODS: Initially, a survey among experts has been conducted to assess the status quo of training in C-L in different European countries. In several consensus meetings, the workgroup discussed aims, core contents, and organizational issues of standards of training in C-L. Twenty C-L specialists in 14 European countries participated in a Delphi procedure answering a detailed consensus checklist, which included different topics under discussion. RESULTS: Consensus on the following issues has been obtained: (1) all residents in psychiatry or psychosomatics should be exposed to C-L work as part of their clinical experience; (2) a minimum of 6 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) rotation to a C-L department should take place on the second part of residency; (3) advanced training should last for at least 12 months; (4) supervision of trainees should be clearly defined and organized; and (5) trainees should acquire knowledge and skills on the following: (a) assessment and management of psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders or situations (e.g., suicide/self-harm, somatization, chronic pain and psychiatric disorders, and abnormal illness behavior in somatically ill patients); (b) crisis intervention and psychotherapy methods appropriate for medically ill patients; (c) psychopharmacology in physically ill patients; (d) communication with severely ill patients and dying patients, as well as with medical staff; (e) promotion of coordination of care for complex patients across several disciplines; and (f) organization of C-L service in relation to general hospital and/or primary care. In addition, the workgroup elaborated recommendations on the form of training and on assessment of competency. CONCLUSION: This document is a first step towards establishing recognized training in C-L psychiatry and psychosomatics across the European Union.

Models of integrated care.

This article describes the range of options for integrating medicine and psychiatry, with a focus on the advantages and limitations of each model. The models were developed in different countries with specific health care cultures. This article illustrates the range of in- and outpatient options as currently practiced, with case reports from practitioners when possible, and describes qualifications for practicing in each model, the settings, the patient populations, the relevant financial issues, and the advantages and disadvantages of practicing in each model. It closes with comments on the next steps for advancing integrated care and the barriers to be overcome.

Operationalizing integrated care on a clinical level: the INTERMED project.

During the last 10 years the INTERMED method has been developed as a generic method for the assessment of bio-psychosocial health risks and health needs and for planning of integrated treatment. The INTERMED has been conceptualized to counteract divisions and fragmentation of medical care. Designed to enhance the communication between patients and the health providers as well as between different professions and disciplines, the INTERMED is a visualized, action-oriented decision-support tool. This article presents various aspects of the INTERMED, such as its relevance, description, scoring, the related patient interview and treatment planning, scientific evaluation, implementation, and support for the method.

[Implementation of the multi-center basis documentation CL-BaDo for conciliar and liaison services: generating data for internal quality management and cost calculation]. / Implementierung der multizentrischen Basisdokumentation CL-BaDo für den Konsiliarund Liaisondienst: Generierung von Daten für internes Qualitätsmanagement und Kostenkalkulation.

In the German DRG system the funding of CL services is not ensured. The documentation of psychiatric comorbidity and CL care delivery is a pre-condition to the development of funding models for CL-services. A task force of several German psychosomatic associations (German College of Psychosomatic Medicine, German Society of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, General Medical Society for Psychotherapy) developed a new documentation form for CL-services (CL-BaDo). The pilot study explored the multicenter implementation of CL-BaDo and the use of the documentation form for quality management and cost calculation. Over a period of at least three months, participating CL-services documented all CL cases consecutively with the CL-BaDo. One site applied full electronic data processing. 2116 CL cases from eight psychosomatic CL-services were analysed. The CL-BaDo is a time-efficient, feasible and acceptable documentation form for CL-service delivery. The full electronic data processing enables networking with a hospital information system to produce higher data quality. The data of CL-BaDo can be used locally for quality management, development of management strategies and communication with consultants, as well as nationwide for health policy questions and research.