Service Intensity as a Predictor of Competitive Employment in an Individual Placement and Support Model

Objectives:Previous research on the individual placement and support (IPS) model of supported employment has focused on the model's effectiveness and on fidelity to the program model. Little is known about service intensity, or the number of service contacts received. This study examined several aspects of service intensity: average level, association with weeks worked, predictors, and modulators of its effect on weeks worked. Methods:The study used data that were collected over two years from 91 persons with severe mental illness who participated in one arm of a randomized controlled trial conducted at Thresholds, a psychosocial rehabilitation center in Chicago. Results:Services were more intense during the initial phase of services, service intensity predicted later weeks worked, and few individual demographic and clinical characteristics were related to service intensity. Finally, high levels of cognitive symptoms weakened the relationship between service intensity and weeks worked. Conclusions:This study suggests increased IPS service intensity may lead to better employment outcomes and has implications for service provision and fidelity measurement. (Psychiatric Services 62:1066–1072, 2011)