Introduction of a telephone consulting service for psychosocial crisis - Results from a 12 month-follow-up

Objective: To improve the community-based health care in the area of Bonn a telephone consulting service and a mobile crisis intervention service have been established during a two year pilot project. The regional needs and s tructural demands have been assessed. Results: During the first 12 months the number of calls increased from 15 i n November 1996 to 76 in October 1997. In all, 432 calls were received. Mos t calls lasted from 10 to 30 minutes. 89% of the callers were female, 77% w ere in the age range between 30 and 45 years. Two-thirds of the callers had prior psychiatric treatments. Most callers suffered from loneliness and de ficient coping strategies. Conclusion: The proven regional demands have led to a continuation of the p roject and an extension of the mobile crisis intervention service.