Affiliations: Kwai Chung Hospital, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China | Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Andrew M.H. Siu, PhD, Department of
Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom,
Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China. Tel.: +86 852 27666753; Fax: +86 852 23308656; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: 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.
Keywords: Early psychosis, occupational therapy, outcome
