Background: The onset of schizophrenia is associated with a pronounced decline in employment and educational attainment.
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing the Individual Placement and Support approach (supported employment) adapted to include supported education within an Early Intervention Team for young people with a first episode of psychosis in the UK.
Method: Demographic, clinical and vocational data were collected between November 2001 and July 2006 to evaluate the impact on service user vocational outcomes at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Individual vocational pathways are reported for the follow-up periods and fidelity to the implementation of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach.
Results: By 6 months, 69% of people were supported in open employment and mainstream education/training and this rose to 81% at 18 months. The open employment rate increased significantly from 13% at baseline to 48% at 18 months and this was maintained through to 24 months.
Conclusion: This study suggests that the IPS approach combined with supported education was effective at enabling a significant proportion of young people with a first episode of psychosis in a UK Early Intervention Service to gain/retain open employment and mainstream education.