Individual placement and support (IPS) in physical rehabilitation and medicine: the VA spinal cord injury experience.

TOPIC

This report summarizes the first studies on individual placement and support (IPS) in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) and discusses adaptation of the model.

PURPOSE

Research related to the implementation and evaluation of the use of IPS in the VA System of Spinal Cord Injury Care is reviewed. Results suggest that IPS was more effective than traditional vocational rehabilitation. With physical disabilities, the model needs adaptation with respect to integration, disclosure, and job development while following the core principles. Special consideration is needed with respect to caseload size and transportation issues.

SOURCES USED

Published results from the Spinal Cord Injury Vocational Integration Program (SCI-VIP) study and clinical field observations.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

IPS can be successfully adapted to physical medicine and rehabilitation.