Wenche ten Velden Hegelstad1, Inge Joa1,2, Lena Heitmann3, Jan Olav Johannessen1,2, Johannes Langeveld1; 1TIPS Clinical Research in Psychosis, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway, 2Network for Medical Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway, 3School and JobPrescription, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
Background: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an effective intervention for supported employment (SE), however, less so for education (Sed). School and JobPrescription in Norway are part of an international collaborative adapting the original IPS intervention and fidelity scale to include Sed. Method: This study was a quasi-experimental historical matched controls (N=33+33) study with a one–year intervention and two-year follow-up. The IPS-team was trained in educational facilities, curriculums, regulations, and financial resources and was rated on fidelity (April 2016, October 2017). Primary outcomes were hours enrolled in employment or education. Results: Thirty participants completed the intervention. SE scores remained stable (99 and 98 of 125) whilst Sed scores dropped (102 and 99 of 125). Fourteen participants (47%) attained competitive employment >20hrs/week post intervention, compared to 2 in the control group. Fifteen (50%)were in education >20hrs/week compared to 5 (17%) in the control group. However, 1-year post termination differences had waned. The control group had attained the same level of education, however had missed one year. Conclusion: Time-unlimited support was restricted due to funding. This may explain why results waned over time.
