A randomized controlled trial of evidence-based supported employment: Nonvocational outcomes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: While the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment has been shown to improve competitive employment outcomes, randomized controlled trials have consistently failed to show improved nonvocational outcomes for IPS participants compared to participants receiving traditional vocational services. AIMS: This study evaluated the impact of IPS on nonvocational outcomes for clients with severe mental illness (SMI). METHODS: A longitudinal analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial compared IPS to a stepwise vocational approach on employment outcomes over two years. Nonvocational outcomes were symptoms, psychiatric hospitalizations, quality of life, and social networks. Results: Although the total sample showed improvement in several nonvocational domains over time, there were largely no differences between groups in nonvocational outcomes at follow-up or in their rates of improvement over time. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in supported employment alone is not sufficient to positively impact most nonvocational outcomes in people with severe mental illness.