Supported education for adults with psychiatric disabilities: effectiveness of an occupational therapy program.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effectiveness of a supported education program for adults with psychiatric disabilities. METHOD: Thirty-eight adults with psychiatric disabilities were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 21) that received supported education services or to a control group (n = 17) that received treatment as usual. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference between experimental and control group participant scores on the five instruments used to measure the program's effectiveness. Sixteen of the 21 experimental group participants (76%) completed the program. At 6-month follow-up, 10(63%) had enrolled in an educational program, had obtained employment, or were applying to a specific program. Only 1 of the control group participants was enrolled in an educational program. CONCLUSION: The results support the effectiveness of the supported education program. A significant number of participants were able to improve their basic academic skills, enhance professional behaviors and social skills, and return to the school or work environment.

Author information

Author/s: Gutman, Sharon A (SA); Kerner, Robin (R); Zombek, Irene (I); Dulek, Jennifer (J); Ramsey, C Andrew (CA);

Affiliation: Programs in Occupational Therapy, Columbia University, 710 West 168th Street, NI-8, New York, NY 10032, USA. sg2422(-atsign-)columbia.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal: The American journal of occupational therapy. : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (Am J Occup Ther), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 May-Jun; vol 63 (issue 3) : pp 245-54

Dates: Created 2009/06/15; Completed 2009/07/07;

PMID: 19522133, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 7/24/2009, IMS Date: )

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