Increasing the employment rate for people with longer-term mental health problems
Aims and methodTo examine the effects of implementing the individual placement and support (IPS) approach within four community mental health teams (CMHTs). Demographic, clinical and vocational data were collected through a repeated cross-sectional survey. Additionally, a service user experience survey was conducted.ResultsThe IPS approach appears to have a significant effect on the employment rates of service users; a higher proportion felt able to return to employment and a smaller proportion believed they were unable to work because of their mental health problems. Employment rates for service users appear to be independent of general employment rates.Clinical implicationsImplementing IPS appears to increase the employment rates in CMHTs resulting in increased service user expectations of being able to return to work.