Nonvocational outcomes of vocational rehabilitation: reduction in health services utilization.
BACKGROUND
Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of vocational rehabilitation on vocational outcomes in individuals with a mental illness, yet effects on secondary outcomes remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the impact of vocational rehabilitation on the utilization of emergency, ambulatory care and inpatient services in individuals with a mental illness.


METHODS
Using a repeated measures study design, the utilization of health services by individuals with a mental illness (n= 37) was compared before and during their engagement in training and employment at a social enterprise - a form of vocational rehabilitation.


RESULTS
Individuals with a mental illness had significantly less emergency department visits (p=0.01), ambulatory care visits (p=0.01) and hospital admissions (p=0.05), but no difference in hospital length of stay (p=0.39), during training/employment, compared to pre-training/employment at a social enterprise.


CONCLUSIONS
The reduction in health services utilization found in this study may reflect symptom and overall health improvement, highlighting the importance of vocational rehabilitation programs for individuals with a mental illness. In addition, results from this study can inform stakeholders and policymakers about the impact of vocational rehabilitation on the healthcare system to help guide decisions regarding program implementation or continuation, and funding allocation.
Jackson
Yanina
Y
Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Kelland
Jill
J
Cosco
Theodore D
TD
McNeil
Diane C
DC
Reddon
John R
JR
D000328:Adult; D019992:Databases as Topic; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational