Outcome analysis of occupational therapy programme for persons with early psychosis

Objective: This study examined the vocational outcomes of young persons with early psychosis after their participation in an occupational therapy program, and identified clinical or process variables that are linked to the vocational outcomes. Participants: A total of 147 clients, aged between 15 and 25, with early psychosis or schizophrenia participated in this study. Methods: A retrospective review of case management plans and outcomes was conducted. A survey form was designed to record demographic and clinical variables, and a follow-up telephone interview was conducted to monitor the vocational status of clients during the first three months after discharge. Results: Although none of the clients had been engaged in work prior to participation in the programme, 53.7% could maintain a productive role in work (27.2%) or training/education (16.3%) in the three-month follow-up. Better mental condition and insight, stronger motivation for joining treatment, better social support, longer work history, and a shorter period of idleness before joining the programme, were significantly related to more favourable vocational outcomes. Older clients and those with more years of education were more likely to maintain a worker role. Parents were much more conservative about the future work plan than the clients themselves. Conclusions: Symptom management, work habit training, enrichment of the work experience, building social support and cultivation of insight into illness were important strategies related to the successful adoption of a productive role.