The Employment Intervention Demonstration program: Major findings and policy implications

Authors: Cook, J. A., Leff, H. S., Blyler, C. R., Gold, P. B., Goldberg, R. W., Mueser, K. T., Toprac, M. G., McFarlane, W. R., Shafer, M. S., Blankertz, L. E., Dudek, K., Razzano, L. A., Grey, D. D., & Burke-Miller, J.
Year Published 2008
Publication Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal
Volume 31
Number 4
Pages 291-295
Publisher American Psychological Association
Background

The Employment Intervention Demonstration program was a "multi-center study designed to generate knowledge about effective approaches for enhancing employment among adults with severe mental illnesses" (p. 291).
Purpose

This article describes the study design, models tested, and study participants.
Setting

This study is a systematic review. The included studies were undertaken in various locations and settings.
Sample

The study participants included 1273 people with chronic mental illness at seven sites.
Data Collection

This article summarizes findings of published articles about EIDP. "For pre-existing models, fidelity was assessed via established measures; the EIDP also developed and administered a cross-site measure of adherence to supported employment principles and practices" (p. 292).
Control

Control groups received services as usual.
Findings

Supported employment models were more effective than services as usual. In addition, Experimental condition subjects were
more likely to be competitively employed (55% of experimental versus 34% of control participants), work 40 or more hours per month (51% versus 39%), and have higher earnings ($i22/month vs. $99/month) despite controlling for demographic, clinical, and work history confounds. And, the advantage that the experimental group clients had over the comparison group increased over time.
Conclusions

Supported employment models are effective and their value increases over time, indicating that the effects achieved are sustainable. These models work in diverse settings, different geographical areas, and for a variety of clients.
URL http://www.worksupport.com/kter/documents/pdf/EIDPMajorFindingsandPolicyImplications.pdf
Disabilities Emotional disturbance
Populations Hispanic or Latino | Black / African American | White / Caucasian | Male & Female
Outcomes Employment acquisition
NIDILRR Funded Yes
Research Design Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
Peer Reviewed Yes