Consumer, health professional and employment specialist experiences of an individual placement and support programme

Background: Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) are under-represented in the workforce. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme is an evidence-based intervention that co-locates an Employment Specialist in a community mental health team to support individuals with a SMI with their goal of finding work. Previous research predominantly explored IPS programme outcomes rather than stakeholder experiences. Aim: To explore programme stakeholder perspectives and experiences during the early stages of IPS programme implementation. Methods: Qualitative descriptive methodology explored consumers (n = 11), health professionals and employment specialist (n = 11) perceptions and experiences of the IPS programme. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analysed. Results: Three main themes emerged: enacting core care philosophies, IPS programme process and catalyst for supportive environments and relationships. The combination of IPS programme relationships, enactment of core care philosophies, and programme process promoted development of supportive environments and relationships for consumers participating in the programme. Conclusion: Findings suggest IPS processes promoted the enactment of person-centred and recovery-oriented care approaches and positively influenced care planning practices and service culture. Significance: IPS directly tackles the compounding disadvantage resulting from unemployment for people with a SMI. At a service level, IPS can foster positive changes to care practices and service culture.

Automated summary

The study aimed to explore stakeholder perspectives and experiences during the early stages of IPS programme implementation. Three main themes emerged: enacting core care philosophies, IPS programme process, and catalyst for supportive environments and relationships. Findings suggest that IPS processes promote person-centered care and recovery-oriented care approaches.