The finnish Individual Placement and Support (IPS) evaluation study protocol (2020–2023)

Abstract

Background

Mental health problems increase the risk for long-term sick leaves, early transitions to disability pensions and unstable career paths. In Finland, significant effort is currently placed on improving employment among partially disabled persons. Implementation of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme is expected to be an effective method to support employment among individuals with mental health problems.

IPS is an evidence-based programme integrated in psychiatric treatment aiming to support individuals with serious mental illness in finding employment. It involves job search followed by placement in competitive employment and individual in-work support for both the employee and the employer.

Method

The Finnish IPS evaluation study (2020–2023) will investigate the implementation, the feasibility and the effectiveness and perceived benefits of the programme. About 400–450 programme participants (18–64 years of age) are expected to participate in the study.

The study utilises a mixed method approach collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from different stakeholders. Among programme participants, data is collected with questionnaires at the baseline and at 6 and 12 months follow-ups. Programme providers asses the process and outcomes of the programme for each client in the end of the programme. Register-based data concerning employment, income and use of mental health services will be collected five years before and after the programme. For the follow-up, matched controls will be selected to detect the effects of the programme. Interviews will be conducted among different stakeholders.

Results

Currently, the recruitment of study participants has started.

Conclusion

The study protocol is presented at the congress.