Specific Work-Related Problems of Participants in Medical Rehabilitation in Eastern Germany: Analysis of German Statutory Pension Insurance Administrative Data

Background: This study examines the proportion of persons with musculoskeletal, cardiological, mental and behavioral and neurological diseases undergoing medical rehabilitation provided by the German Statutory Pension Insurance Mitteldeutschland (GSPI MD), who are potentially affected by severe restrictions of work ability (SRWA). Methods: Administrative data from GSPI MD were analyzed (secondary data analysis). The proportion of indications for SRWA (unemployment at application of rehabilitation, duration of sick leave >3 months before onset of rehabilitation, working capacity <6 h/day in the last job evaluated at discharge and/or application for temporary disability benefits) was examined among insured persons undergoing medical rehabilitation in the year 2011. Results: Two thirds (65 %) of the analyzed sample (N = 25 658) had at least one indicator for SWRA (cardiology: 56 %; orthopedics: 65 %; neurology: 72 %; psychosomatics: 74 %). The majority of identified cases of SRWA (92 %) was defined by long periods of sick leave and/or a limited work-related capacity. Discussion: Contrary to previous estimations a distinctly higher portion of persons undergoing rehabilitation in Eastern Germany fulfills established criteria for the need of work-related medical rehabilitation.