Individual placement and support focusing on employment and education for young people at clinical high risk of psychosis: A feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) with a focus on educational and employment goals, within a clinical service for the early detection of individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) of psychosis.

METHOD

Between June 2019 and April 2021, participants were recruited and received up to 6 (± 2) months support. : Enrolled participants, attended sessions, and disengagement rates were analyzed to assess feasibility.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Enrollment in mainstream education or/and employment, hours spent working or/and studying, salary, level of functioning, and self-efficacy at baseline and follow-up were compared.

RESULTS

Thirty-one participants were recruited, 13 of whom were remotely recruited after the first COVID-19 lockdown. Dropout rates were relatively low (16.1%), and 26 participants (83.9%) completed the program. Each participant received on average nine sessions ( = 9.65; = 4.92). : At follow-up, 73.1% participants were employed, working on average more hours per week, (25) = -2.725; = .012, and were earning significantly more money, (25) = -3.702; = .001, compared to baseline. Gains in educational outcomes were less clear. Global Assessment of Functioning, = 248.50; = .001, and Social Occupational Functioning, (25) = -3.273; = .003, were significantly higher at 6-month follow-up compared to baseline. No differences were found in participants' self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Findings indicate that research procedures are appropriate and that IPS implementation within a CHR clinical team is feasible. Secondary outcomes also suggest that IPS may be a beneficial intervention for young people at CHR. A longer follow-up might be needed to assess its impact on educational outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).