Integrated Supported Employment for People With Schizophrenia in Mainland China: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: In this randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effectiveness of integrated supported employment (ISE) compared with individual placement and support (IPS) and traditional vocational rehabilitation (TVR) for people with schizophrenia in mainland China. METHOD: One hundred and sixty-two participants with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to ISE (n = 54), IPS (n = 54), or TVR (n = 54). Blinded assessments of employment status, job tenure, and psychological outcomes were conducted at admission; completion of the 3-mo program; and follow-up at 7, 11, and 15 mo. RESULTS: Significantly higher employment rate and longer job tenure were found in the ISE group (63.0%, 29.56 wk) compared with the IPS group (50.0%, 25.47 wk) and TVR group (33.3%, 9.91 wk). The ISE group also attained the most positive psychological outcomes. CONCLUSION: Work-related social skills training embedded in ISE with generalization strategies can enhance vocational and nonvocational outcomes for people with schizophrenia in mainland China.