Key stakeholder perspectives on the use of research about supported employment for racially and ethnically diverse patients with mental illness in the United States

Abstract

Objective: To explore how stakeholders responded to research evidence regarding supported employment (e.g., vocational rehabilitation), and ways evidence could be incorporated into policy and action.Data sources: Qualitative data were collected from three stakeholder groups-people with lived experience of mental health challenges, community health advocates, and state health policy makers.Study design: This study consisted of two sequential steps. First, three focus groups were conducted after presenting stakeholder groups (inclusive of 22 participants) with simulation data showing that improvement in employment status had a stronger impact on mental health than improvement in education or income for racially/ ethnically diverse groups. Second, with guidance from focus group findings, researchers conducted additional in-depth interviews (n = 19) to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges related to incorporating these findings into policy and practice.

Exploring the interplay of psychiatric symptoms, antipsychotic medications, side effects, employment status, and quality of life in Chronic Schizophrenia

“…In line with previous findings, employment was positively associated with the motivation and energy of QoL. A recent study reported that improvement in employment status had a stronger impact on mental health than improvement in education or income in patients with mental illness [ 45 ]. Another study also showed that occupational balance can improve the QoL in patients with schizophrenia [ 7 ].…”

Translating research into policy and action

“…In these VA studies, investigators apply both implementation science and community engagement methods to work closely with clinical operations partners to deploy rigorous, peer-reviewed evaluations of the impacts of programs and policies on outcomes related to suicide prevention and person-centered care ("Whole Health") in veteran patient populations. Studies by Alegria and Colleagues, 13 Chinchilla et al, 14 and Albright et al 15 in this issue present novel ways to engage community partners and at-risk populations in informing policies to enhance the full range of human services including employment and health care.…”

“…Studies by Alegria and Colleagues, 13 Chinchilla et al, 14 and Albright et al 15 in this issue present novel ways to engage community partners and at‐risk populations in informing policies to enhance the full range of human services including employment and health care. Similarly, Pearson et al 16 and Leykum et al 17 in this issue actively involved interested communities and partners to inform policies that improve Veteran access to care and long‐term care outcomes.…”