# Longitudinal Outcomes of Individual Placement and Support for Patients With Severe Mental Illness in Italy

## TL;DR

This study examines how the IPS model affects long-term employment for people with severe mental illness in Italy, finding differences based on diagnosis and nativity.

## Contribution

The study provides longitudinal evidence on IPS employment outcomes in Italy, highlighting disparities by diagnosis and nativity.

## Key findings

- Participants with schizophrenia, PDs, and depression had higher job acquisition rates.
- Native participants were more likely to obtain employment, but job retention was similar across groups.
- Those with addiction disorders had shorter employment durations compared to other diagnostic groups.

## Abstract

To assess the long-term impact of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model on employment outcomes among individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) and personality disorders (PDs) in Italy, and to examine the role of sociodemographic and clinical factors over a 42-month period.

We analyzed a 42-month longitudinal cohort of 1,408 IPS participants from seven Community Mental Health Centers in northern Italy. Data on demographics, diagnoses, and employment history were collected. Employment outcomes were compared across diagnostic groups and by nativity using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Employment rates varied significantly by diagnosis. Participants with schizophrenia, PDs, and depression achieved higher job acquisition rates, whereas those with addiction disorders and milder psychiatric conditions faced greater barriers. Native participants were more likely to obtain employment, although job retention rates were comparable between groups. Job tenure differed across diagnoses, with those with addiction disorders showing shorter employment durations.

The IPS model improves employment for individuals with SMIs and PDs, though disparities by diagnosis and nativity remain. Tailored interventions are needed to promote more inclusive and equitable vocational rehabilitation.