Publication
Employment programmes for schizophrenia and other severe mental illness in psychosocial rehabilitation: a systematic review
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Date:
10-01-2021
DOI:
10.1177/0308022620980683
Abstract: Employment programmes for people with mental illness vary widely in range, but nonetheless all share the same objectives of restoring or initiating vocational roles to promote recovery in psychosocial rehabilitation. The current interventions available usually focus on the specific vocational outcomes of the intervention rather than focusing holistically on the client’s needs. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of intervention programmes and determine the best intervention for schizophrenia and other severe mental illness, considering both vocational and non-vocational outcomes. Searching five databases – CINAHL, Medline via Ovid, Scopus, OT Seeker and Web of Science – a total of 3108 studies was identified 24 met the selection criteria and were reviewed. Interventions were categorised into five major programmes of supported employment, integrated supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, cognitive intervention and virtual reality-based vocational training. Integrated supported employment was found to be the most effective approach for a vocational outcome. However, evidence concerning non-vocational outcomes of employment programmes and the use of cognitive training remains unclear. Clinicians are advised to consider the needs and preferences of the client before selecting the best intervention programme. More research is needed to determine the applicability and the efficacy of intervention programmes.