Psychosocial impacts on people with mental illness receiving the individual placement and support (IPS) service

Abstract

Objective: The impact of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach in helping people with severe mental illness (SMI) on the psychosocial functioning of participants was examined in this study by means of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Method: One hundred and eleven participants with severe mental illness were recruited from two non-government organizations and three day hospitals in Hong Kong and were assigned into TVR or IPS group. Data of perceived personal wellbeing and self-efficacy using validated scales were collected by an independent assessor at 7th, 11th, and 15th month. Meanwhile, thirteen eligible participants in the IPS group were randomly recruited for the first interview and eight of them who met selection criteria were recruited again for second interview. Data was collected through a tailor-made interview guide during their third and sixth months of employment. Results: The employed participants in IPS group showed better outcomes in both personal wellbeing and self-efficacy, compared with the TVR group after 15 months of service provision. Results were essentially in line with the qualitative data. Both positive and negative impacts were obtained based on the interviews. A dynamic model was suggested based on the findings to explain the job tenure of participants. Conclusion: The IPS approach was shown to be effective enhancing psychosocial outcomes for people with severe mental illness in Hong Kong. Suggestions to consolidate the IPS approach were made.