AUTHOR=Thauerer Bettina , Püspök Johannes , Kullich Werner , Felder David , Steinecker-Frohnwieser Bibiane , Skoumal Martin 

TITLE=Results of an Inpatient Preventive Health Care Program to Improve Quality of Life, Psychosocial Health, and Work Ability in Austria

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 68 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1606193

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1606193

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Objective: The Austrian Federal Pension Insurance (PVA) developed a preventive inpatient health program, "Gesundheitsvorsorge-Aktiv (GVA)”, for patients with musculoskeletal complaints. Individualized measures, set by modular design (movement optimization, movement motivation, mental health), improve occupational participation, which is achieved by influencing lifestyle factors and health-related quality of life. 
Methods: Submodule-dependent outcomes were assessed in patients (n=330) at start, end of treatment and 6 months after. Quality of life (EQ-5D-5L Index), psychosocial aspects of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D) and work ability (WAI) were queried.
Results: The results consistently showed positive short and long-term effects. The subjective assessments of current work ability improved while the impairment of work performance was reduced. Positive changes in the psychosocial sphere were observed, alongside improvements in the health-related quality of life. Patients in the exercise-optimization-module performed better in all respects.
Conclusion: To sum up, GVA represents a valuable preventive health measure that leads to a holistic increase in well-being and can also ensure the maintenance of the ability to work.