Predictors of competitive employment among patients with schizophrenia

Recently published studies examining predictors of competitive employment for patients with schizophrenia are reviewed.

Researchers continue to examine predictors of employment among three types of variables: patient characteristics, environmental factors, and interventions. Provision of supported employment is the strongest predictor of competitive employment in this population, while patient predictors continue to show modest associations with outcomes. Environmental factors, including societal and cultural influence, local economy, labor laws, disability policies, and governmental regulations, are presumed to have major influences on employment, but these factors have been little studied.

Given the strong and consistent evidence base for the effectiveness of supported employment in helping individuals with schizophrenia achieve competitive employment, mental health planners should make access to this practice a high priority. Barriers to implementation of supported employment, including finance, organization, integration, training, and supervision, need to be systematically addressed. The field currently lacks an adequate understanding of the role of societal, cultural, and regulatory factors in facilitating and hindering employment outcomes; such research is much needed.