Work-related participation impairments and support needs of patients in a Swiss psychiatric university hospital

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess work-related participation impairments and support needs of adult patients in inpatient and day-care treatment at a Swiss psychiatric university hospital.MethodologyCross-sectional survey on a department-dependent cut-off date in May and June 2022 using a standardized structured interview.ResultsData were available for 93 patients (response rate 59%), of which 51% (n = 47) stated that they had a job or training place. Patients in first hospitalization and with a job or training place were approached significantly more often. Regardless of age and first hospitalization, 76% of the patients expressed a need for support, of which 92% expressed interest in job coaching. A total of 54% of the patients stated that they had received support from the treatment team.ConclusionFrom the patients’ point of view, work and education were not addressed by the treatment team across the board and independently of patient characteristics. The need for support was insufficiently met. There is a considerable interest for support programs through job coaching, and this offers opportunities to promote the inclusion of patients in the regular labor market.