[Vocational rehabilitation of the mentally ill - an evaluation of the Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Zurich, Switzerland].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Zurich (VRC) is to reintegrate mentally ill persons into the primary labour market, mainly by prevocational training followed by continuous professional support for employed individuals. The present study evaluated the impact of the VRC.

METHODS

The job and financial situation of 68 trained persons was assessed up to two years after the training. Additionally, their vocational history and sociodemographic data were analysed.

RESULTS

Before the training, only 9 % had a job, while two years after the course 42 % were employed in competitive jobs. On the other hand, using an ordinal scale, two years after the training, 78 % of the patients were found in a better job situation than before the course. Likewise, the financial situation of 52 % of the clients has improved within those two years. The strongest correlation with success was the intensity of support after the training.

CONCLUSIONS

The VCR is effective in training mentally ill patients for the primary job market. Continuous professional support is vital for ongoing success.