Experience in developing a Transitional Employment Program (TEP) for the psychiatric patients in an acute general hospital in Hong Kong

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Raymond Wong, | Maurice Wan,

Affiliations: Occupational Therapy Department, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong

Note: [] Occupational Therapist, Occupational therapy Department, United Christian Hospital, 130 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel.: +852 2379 4395; Fax: +852 2772 7098

Abstract: This paper describes the application of a transitional employment program (TEP) for psychiatric patients in Hong Kong. The TEP and its values in psychiatric rehabilitation are introduced. The differences between TEP and Supported Employment (SE) were also highlighted. A TEP for psychiatric patients in an acute general hospital is outlined. Interviews of employer and trainees showed that, apart from increasing income, qualitative changes in the trainees were observed such as increased self-confidence, improved assertive and social skills, and increased work tolerance. Ongoing objective measurement should be conducted to demonstrate its effectiveness. TEP could be considered as a feasible alternative of vocational rehabilitation for patients with mental illness.

Keywords: transitional employment program, mental illness, vocational rehabilitation

Journal: Work, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 229-236, 2000