Abstract

Previous studies among patients with obesity have shown only a short or medium term effect of inpatient rehabilitation programs. The long term effects may be improved by aftercare programs. Beneficial effects have been found implementing brief telephone continuing care therapy for adolescents with substance abuse. However, no reliable data are available either on the necessity and needs or on the feasibility of this kind of an aftercare program for adolescents with obesity. In pilot study 1, the necessity of aftercare was investigated by focus group discussions among 4 different occupational disciplines. Furthermore, personal needs were examined by guided interviews with 29 adolescent patients with obesity. Pilot study 2 was aimed to explore the feasibility of the program. In this pilot study, 15 adolescents were followed by a case manager via telephone and internet. Topics that have been discussed were problems and ways of possible support at home. Moreover, patient’s motivation was increased to achieve the personal aims. Necessity and personal needs were supported by the pilot studies. Additionally, the first results point to the feasibility of an aftercare program with case management delivered by the rehabilitation clinic. However, further quantitative research on the effectiveness of the aftercare program is recommended.

Author Details

Authors

• M. Pankatz¹
• W. Jacobsen¹
• R. Stachow²
• P. Hampel¹

Departments

• ¹ Institut für Psychologie, Universität Flensburg,
• ² Fachklinik Sylt für Kinder und Jugendliche

Address

Miriam Pankatz
Institut für Psychologie
Universität Flensburg
Auf dem Campus 1
D–24943 Flensburg
Email: [email protected]

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