Research Article  |   October 2017
Integrated Supported Employment for People With Schizophrenia in Mainland China: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Guo Fu Zhang; Chi Man Tsui; Aisia Jiang Bo Lu; Li Bo Yu; Hector Wing Hong Tsang; Da Li
Author Affiliations
  • Guo Fu Zhang, MMSc, is Psychiatrist, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Wuxi Tongren International Rehabilitation Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
  • Chi Man Tsui, MMedSc, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
  • Aisia Jiang Bo Lu, BN, is Nurse, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Wuxi Tongren International Rehabilitation Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
  • Li Bo Yu, BN, is Nurse, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Wuxi Tongren International Rehabilitation Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
  • Hector Wing Hong Tsang, PhD, is Professor and Head, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
  • Da Li, MD, is Psychiatrist, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Wuxi Tongren International Rehabilitation Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; 13358119052@163.com
Article Information
Mental Health / Work and Industry / Centennial Topics
Research Article   |   October 2017
Integrated Supported Employment for People With Schizophrenia in Mainland China: A Randomized Controlled Trial
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, October 2017, Vol. 71, 7106165020p1-7106165020p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.024802
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, October 2017, Vol. 71, 7106165020p1-7106165020p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.024802
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. In this randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effectiveness of integrated supported employment (ISE) compared with individual placement and support (IPS) and traditional vocational rehabilitation (TVR) for people with schizophrenia in mainland China.

METHOD. One hundred and sixty-two participants with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to ISE (n = 54), IPS (n = 54), or TVR (n = 54). Blinded assessments of employment status, job tenure, and psychological outcomes were conducted at admission; completion of the 3-mo program; and follow-up at 7, 11, and 15 mo.

RESULTS. Significantly higher employment rate and longer job tenure were found in the ISE group (63.0%, 29.56 wk) compared with the IPS group (50.0%, 25.47 wk) and TVR group (33.3%, 9.91 wk). The ISE group also attained the most positive psychological outcomes.

CONCLUSION. Work-related social skills training embedded in ISE with generalization strategies can enhance vocational and nonvocational outcomes for people with schizophrenia in mainland China.