Research Plus

Vocational interventions

A systematic review found only weak evidence to support the use of vocational interventions to help unemployed people re-enter work, and limited evidence that such interventions improve mental health. Six papers covering five studies met inclusion criteria and all looked at group training interventions to promote re-employment and/or improve mental health. Only one intervention, the US Jobs II programme – which focuses on active learning, problem solving, job searching and preparing for setbacks – resulted in improved re-employment. Two studies reduced psychological distress.

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2009; online first: doi: 10.1007/s10926-009-9223-y. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10926-009-9223-y

Tags evidence based practice mental health

Occupational Health at Work February/March 2010 (vol. 06/5) pp40