Pushing through: Mental health consumers' experiences of an individual placement and support employment programme

Abstract

Introduction: Individual placement and support is recognized as current best practice vocational rehabilitation for people living with a severe mental illness. This study aimed to provide insight into the consumer perspective of factors that impact the success of an individual placement and support programme in Australia. Method: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with five participants. Participants were diagnosed with a severe mental illness and were engaged with an individual placement supported employment programme in one area health service in New South Wales, Australia. Data analysis was conducted using grounded theory methods. Results: Analysis revealed the core category of pushing through, a three-step process that involved experiencing discomfort, learning to adapt, and getting into a groove. Pushing through described the participants' direct experience of individual placement and support, as well as their management of their health and ability to cope with everyday practicalities and relationships while engaged in the programme. Conclusions: The participants in this study described their experiences of being involved in an individual placement and support programme as being characterized by a process of pushing through. The participants' actions and experiences at each stage of this process provide cues for more tailored support within individual placement and support to meet changing needs.

Stakeholder Perspectives on IPS for Employment: A Scoping Review

“…Studies targeting solely clients of IPS accounted for most of the articles retrieved ( n = 15, 57.7%) (Alverson et al, 1995; Areberg et al, 2013; Becker et al, 2007, Besse et al, 2017, 2018; Boycott et al, 2015; Coombes et al, 2016; Gammelgaard et al, 2017; Huff et al, 2008; Johnson et al, 2009; Koletsi et al, 2009; Lexen et al, 2013a, 2013b; Liu et al, 2007; Nygren et al, 2016). An additional four articles focused on clients among other stakeholders (15.4%).…”

“…We documented the qualitative methodologies applied in the retrieved studies based on the authors’ verbatim descriptions of the methodological approaches they used; in other words, we did not apply our own methodological labels to what was described in the studies, but rather relied on the face value of the authors labels. Eight studies stated they used a grounded theory approach ( n = 8, 30.8%; Becker et al, 2007; Besse et al, 2017, 2018; Coombes et al, 2016; Glover & Frounfelker, 2011, 2013; Lexen et al, 2016; Liu et al, 2007). Seven studies stated they used content analysis ( n = 7, 26.9%; Areberg et al, 2013; Glover & Frounfelker, 2013; Hasson et al, 2011; Kostick et al, 2010; Nunes et al, 2011; Nygren et al, 2016; Salyers et al, 2008; Whitley et al, 2010), which included purely inductive content analysis, deductive content analysis, and directed content analysis approach.…”

“…From the 26 articles identified by this review, 9 studies were written by occupational therapists and all mentioned “occupational therapy” at least once ( n = 9, 34.6%; Areberg et al, 2013; Bejerholm et al, 2011; Coombes et al, 2016; Hasson et al, 2011; Lexen et al, 2013a, 2013b; Lexen et al, 2016; Liu et al, 2007; Nygren et al, 2016). Furthermore, 2 studies that were not written by occupational therapists mentioned “occupational therapy” (Crain et al, 2009; Johnson et al, 2009).…”

“…For example, clients who had obtained work still needed the ES when looking to negotiate pay raises or accommodations (Becker et al, 2007). Ongoing support was perceived as helpful by clients during periods of symptom relapse (Becker et al, 2007; Coombes et al, 2016).…”

“…Clients from several studies perceived obtaining employment through IPS as having contributed positively to their recovery (Alverson et al, 1995; Areberg et al, 2013; Crain et al, 2009; Gammelgaard et al, 2017; Koletsi et al, 2009), identifying increases in confidence and self-esteem (Crain et al, 2009; Gammelgaard et al, 2017; Johnson et al, 2009; Koletsi et al, 2009; Liu et al, 2007; Nygren et al, 2016). They also mentioned positive effects on development of skills that translated into other life tasks such as taking care of their health, their relationships and improving their ability to learn (Coombes et al, 2016; Crain et al, 2009; Gammelgaard et al, 2017; Koletsi et al, 2009; Lexen et al, 2013a; Nygren et al, 2016).…”