Introduction: It is a challenge to translate evidence-based-research into practice in a way that meets the needs of the service users. The effectiveness of the IPS vocational rehabilitation approach in terms of gaining competitive employment is well known. During the last three years, IPS has been widely implemented in Community Mental Health Service in Sweden, with financial support from the government. Within this context, we aimed to investigate the benefits of IPS as experienced by some of the serviceusers in addition to them increasing their job opportunities.
Methods: Based on a one group pre-test and post-test design (one year), we administered instruments targeting activity and community integration (POES-S) and quality of life (MANSA) among 117 service users from four sites. We also addressed their satisfactionwith the IPS service (MY VIEW) and therapeutic relationship with the IPS-employment specialist (STAR) after one year. Descriptive and comparative statistics were applied.
Results: Significant differences and increase of scores were found between measurement points with regard to both activity and community integration and quality of life. Satisfaction with service and therapeutic relationships were scored well above the midpoint of the scales after one year.
Conclusions: The results indicate that national incentives to implement IPSbenefits the way of life of the users and is a valued service.