Affiliations: School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart,
Tasmania, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Tess Crawley, School of Psychology,
University of Tasmania, Private Bag 30, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia. Tel.:
+61 3 6226 7480; Fax: +61 3 6226 2883; E-mail: Tess.Crawley@utas.edu.au
Abstract: Objective: Meaningful employment is a common goal for those with
schizophrenia [27] and can lead to significant clinical gains [18].
General practitioners provide a pivotal role in the care of individuals with
schizophrenia, but lack of integration between clinical and rehabilitation
services is a significant barrier to receiving vocational
rehabilitation [31]. This study investigated general practitioners'
awareness and understanding of the benefits of vocational rehabilitation in the
treatment of schizophrenia. Method: A 20-item questionnaire was mailed to
498 Tasmanian general practitioners accessed via the mailing lists of the
Divisions of General Practice from each of the three Tasmanian regions: South,
North, and Northwest. Responses were received anonymously from 102
participants. Results are reported as the percentage of responding general
practitioners endorsing each item on the questionnaire. Results: The
majority of respondents indicated average knowledge of schizophrenia and the
benefits of meaningful employment for these patients. However, results
indicated low rates of referral for vocational rehabilitation, which
participants attributed to restricted information about available services,
poor integration of clinical and rehabilitation services, and lack of time to
discuss vocational rehabilitation goals. Conclusions: The current sample
of Tasmanian general practitioners recognised the benefits of vocational
rehabilitation in the management of schizophrenia, however they lack the
appropriate resources (information, consultation time) to effect appropriate
referrals to these services. Improved information dissemination to general
practitioners, in particular information relating to available services and
referral pathways, may improve referral rates for patients with schizophrenia
to appropriate vocational rehabilitation services.
Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, schizophrenia, general practitioners
