Affiliations: Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services,
Edmonton, AB, Canada | Alberta Hospital Edmonton, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Diane C. McNeil, 6th Floor,
9942-108 St, Edmonton, AB T5K 2J5, Canada. Tel.: +1 780 342 7696; Fax: +1
780 342 7720; E-mail: Diane.McNeil@albertahealthservices.ca
Abstract: Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial
effects of vocational rehabilitation on vocational outcomes in individuals with
a mental illness, yet effects on secondary outcomes remain largely unexplored.
This study investigates the impact of vocational rehabilitation on the
utilization of emergency, ambulatory care and inpatient services in individuals
with a mental illness. Methods: Using a repeated measures study design,
the utilization of health services by individuals with a mental illness (n=
37) was compared before and during their engagement in training and employment
at a social enterprise – a form of vocational rehabilitation. Results: Individuals with a mental illness had significantly less emergency department
visits (p=0.01), ambulatory care visits (p=0.01) and hospital admissions
(p=0.05), but no difference in hospital length of stay (p=0.39), during
training/employment, compared to pre-training/employment at a social
enterprise. Conclusion: The reduction in health services utilization
found in this study may reflect symptom and overall health improvement,
highlighting the importance of vocational rehabilitation programs for
individuals with a mental illness. In addition, results from this study can
inform stakeholders and policymakers about the impact of vocational
rehabilitation on the healthcare system to help guide decisions regarding
program implementation or continuation, and funding allocation.
