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Research Article  |   May 2009
Case Report of Integrated Supported Employment for a Person With Severe Mental Illness
Ashley S. M. Chan; Hector W. H. Tsang; Sally M. Y. Li
Author Affiliations
  • Ashley S. M. Chan, MPhil, HKROT, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
  • Hector W. H. Tsang, PhD, OTR, is Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong; rshtsang@inet.polyu.edu.hk
  • Sally M. Y. Li, HKROT, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Article Information
Mental Health / Work and Industry / Mental Health
Research Article   |   May 2009
Case Report of Integrated Supported Employment for a Person With Severe Mental Illness
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2009, Vol. 63, 238-244. doi:10.5014/ajot.63.3.238
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2009, Vol. 63, 238-244. doi:10.5014/ajot.63.3.238
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We illustrate the implementation of an integrated supported employment (ISE) program that augments the individual placement and support model with social skills training in helping people with severe mental illness (SMI) achieve and maintain employment.

METHOD. A case illustration demonstrates how ISE helped a 41-year-old woman with SMI to get and keep a job with support from an employment specialist. An independent, blinded assessor conducted data collection of employment information, including self-efficacy and quality of life, at pretreatment and at 3-month, 7-month, 11-month, and 15-month follow-up assessments.

RESULTS. The participant eventually stayed in a job for 8 months and reported improved self-efficacy and quality of life.

CONCLUSION. The case report suggests that ISE could improve the employment outcomes of people with SMI. Moreover, changes in the participant’s self-efficacy and quality of life were shown to be driven by the successful employment experience.