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. Primary outcome: 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 (M = 9.65; SD = 4.92). Secondary outcomes: At follow-up, 73.1% participants were employed, working on average more hours per week, t(25) = −2.725; p = .012, and were earning significantly more money, t(25) = −3.702; p = .001, compared to baseline. Gains in educational outcomes were less clear. Global Assessment of Functioning, t = 248.50; p = .001, and Social Occupational Functioning, t(25) = −3.273; p = .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) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Findings from this study indicate that Individual Placement and Support (IPS) implementation within a clinical high risk (CHR) of psychosis service is feasible. Secondary outcomes also suggest that IPS may be a beneficial intervention for young people at CHR. Finally, a longer follow-up might be needed to assess its impact on educational outcomes.