[Structures and practice of psychology departments in orthopaedic and cardiac rehabilitation: a comparison of outpatient and inpatient clinics in Germany].

We aimed at comparing the present structural quality and practice of psychological services in ambulatory (outpatient) and inpatient rehabilitation in Germany.A nationwide survey of psychological services in orthopaedic and cardiac outpatient rehab centres was carried out. Results were compared to those of an identical study of inpatient services that was conducted simultaneously.Data were obtained from 81 ambulatory centres (return rate: 44%). Structures and practice (e. g., diagnostic procedures, psychological interventions) in ambulatory and inpatient rehabilitation only differed marginally. Differences concern the staff/patient ratio which is slightly better in ambulatory centres and some aspects of working conditions (e. g., less assisting staff or supervision).From its beginning, ambulatory rehabilitation in Germany has followed the standards of the inpatient model as far as structural quality and processes are concerned. Psychological practice in the ambulatory setting reflects that too. It is discussed whether the uniformity of ambulatory and inpatient rehabilitation services really is appropriate, or whether a more flexible model (e. g., regarding treatment duration) is needed in the German rehabilitation system.