Autor:innen:
Maria Koschig, Leipzig (Germany)
Felix Hussenoeder, Leipzig (Germany)
Ines Conrad, Leipzig (Germany)
Uta Gühne, Leipzig (Germany)
Alexander Pabst, Leipzig (Germany)
Sophie-Elisabeth Kühne, Leipzig (Germany)
Mathias Alberti, Leipzig (Germany)
Katarina Stengler, Leipzig (Germany)
Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Leipzig (Germany)
Background: Individuals receiving means-tested benefits are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with a psychiatric illness compared to those who are employed, and the rate of those working in the first labor market is low. The intervention (Individual Placement and Support, IPS) aims at maintaining or regaining working ability and at facilitating reintegration into the (first) labor market following a “first place, then train”-approach. The objective of the study is to conduct the first RCT in Germany that addresses a broad group of long-term unemployed individuals with severe mental illnesses that receive means-tested benefits.
Method: In this randomized controlled trial, about 120 eligible participants aged between 18 years and local retirement age will be randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG) or to an active control group (CG) using a parallel arm design. The IG will receive IPS + high quality treatment as usual (TAU), the active CG will receive TAU + a booklet on integration measures. A block-randomization algorithm with a targeted assignment ratio of 1:1 for participants in IG and active CG will be used, stratified by sex and three age groups. Assessments will take place before the intervention at baseline (t0) as well as 6 (t1), 12 (t2), and 18 (t3) months later. Primary outcome will be the proportion of participants having worked at least one day in competitive employment since baseline, as assessed at t3.
Discussion: The results of this trial are expected to generate a better understanding of the efficiency, feasibility, acceptance, and relevance of the IPS intervention in a German setting. They could be a first step towards the implementation of the method and towards improving the situation of long-term unemployed individuals with severe mental health problems.
Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00023245), registered on 22.02.2021.