Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan MH(1), Keung NY(1), Wong KY(1), Wong TY(1), Yuen KC(1), Choi WY(1), Chow TL(1), Chan KS(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Vocational rehabilitation is an essential element in the recovery journey for people with mental illness. According to the report from Census and Statistic Department in 2014, only 33.4% of people with mental illness were employed in Hong Kong. COVID-19 has caused global economic recession, leading to a surge in unemployment. This poses additional challenges for people with mental illness to engage in vocational activities. In 2021, the Occupational Therapy Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital launched a pilot program – STEP to facilitate patient’s vocational rehabilitation using information technology. STEP is a 4-session program comprised of 2 phases. The in-patient phase consists of 3 sessions focusing on vocational assessment and counseling including 1 Zoom session with non-government organizations to introduce patients to the current job market and community vocational services. The post-discharge phase is a tele-support session aimed at facilitating the reintegration of patients to vocational activities in the community.
Objectives :
(1) To empower patient’s recovery through bridging them to suitable community vocational service
(2) To minimize the service gap and waiting time for transferring to community vocational service
(3) To facilitate the utilization of community resources through collaboration with community partners
(4) To supplement the service delivery through the use of information technology amid COVID-19 pandemic
Methodology :
Psychiatric in-patients were recruited after screening using OT vocational assessments. In-patients with unstable mental condition, not ready for vocational activities, or already employed were excluded from the program. Satisfaction surveys and vocational outcomes were collected after the program.
Result & Outcome :
From 01/2021 to 11/2021, 44 patients were recruited. 40 satisfaction surveys were collected. The mean score of having increased knowledge towards community vocational service and having satisfied their vocational needs were 8.6/10 (SD=1.41) and 8.2/10 (SD=1.55) respectively. 95% of the participants recommended this program to other co-patients.
23 participants (52.3%) successfully engaged in vocational activities after STEP, 14 patients successfully enrolled in and sustained community vocational service (Supported Employment / Sunnyway / ERB service); 6 patients found open employment jobs; 3 patients were engaged in other vocational activities.
Conclusions:
STEP could enhance patients’ employability and minimize the service gap and service waiting time with the use of information technology and collaboration with community partners under the influence of COVID-19.
