Mastering the World of Work for Mental Illness

Overseen By Sue Guarino, RNBC

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus

Disqualifiers: Inability to give consent

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 18 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new program called Mastering the World of Work (MWW) to help people with mental health challenges improve their job prospects. It is specifically designed for individuals who struggle with understanding themselves and others, making everyday life and work more challenging. Participants will either receive this new intervention along with their regular job support services or just the usual services to compare outcomes. It suits those who have a mental health diagnosis, are receiving job support services in Manchester, NH, and are currently not working due to reasons like recently losing a job. Sessions may occur online or in person, based on preference.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative support methods for enhancing job prospects.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that the MWW intervention is safe?

Research shows that the "Mastering the World of Work" (MWW) program helps people with mental health challenges improve their job prospects. However, past studies do not provide specific information about the program's safety. The trial is labeled as "Not Applicable" in phase, indicating a focus on education or behavior rather than testing a new drug or medical procedure.

Participants face no risk of physical harm from medical treatment in this trial. The program builds skills and provides support for better work outcomes. Sessions are available online or in-person, allowing participants to choose what feels comfortable and safe, especially considering COVID-19.

Overall, the program aims to help people with mental health issues succeed in the workplace, with no indication of physical risks involved. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard approach to treating mental illness in the workplace, which often involves traditional counseling and support services, "Mastering the World of Work" (MWW) integrates these with a specialized intervention designed to enhance employment outcomes. This method combines Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services with targeted skills training to address specific workplace challenges faced by individuals with mental illness. Researchers are excited about this because MWW aims to directly improve job retention and satisfaction by focusing on real-world job skills and adaptive strategies, potentially offering a more holistic and practical solution for maintaining employment.

What evidence suggests that the Mastering the World of Work intervention could be effective for improving employment outcomes in individuals with psychiatric disabilities?

Research has shown that supported employment programs, such as Individual Placement and Support (IPS), effectively help people with serious mental illness find and maintain employment. People with psychiatric disorders often face challenges at work, but programs like "Mastering the World of Work" (MWW) aim to assist them. In this trial, participants in the experimental arm will receive IPS services along with the MWW intervention, which focuses on improving metacognition, potentially leading to better job outcomes. Early results suggest that combining MWW with IPS services could enhance job success for those with psychiatric disabilities. However, more data on MWW is still being collected. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Zlatka Russinova, PhD

Principal Investigator

Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults over 18 with serious mental illness, including dual diagnosis, who are unemployed but receiving Supported Employment services in Manchester, NH. Participants must be willing to engage via Zoom and consent to audio recordings of sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

Not currently employed for one of the following reasons: i. newly enrolled in IPS and have not yet been placed in a job ii. have been enrolled in IPS for at least three months and have not yet obtained a job iii. have lost a job after enrollment in IPS and have not obtained a new job for at least a month following the loss of their last job

I am getting job support services at the Mental Health Center in Manchester, NH.

I can use Zoom for assessments and interventions if needed.

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to understand and give consent for treatment.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the MWW intervention, consisting of 29 sessions over 7 modules, delivered in a hybrid manner based on preferences and safety considerations.

18 months

Weekly sessions (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for employment outcomes and metacognitive capacity through assessments at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months.

18 months

4 assessments (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mastering the World of Work (MWW)

Trial Overview The 'Mastering the World of Work' (MWW) intervention is being tested alongside usual Supported Employment services. The study will assess if MWW improves job outcomes for those with psychiatric disabilities and metacognitive deficits through a mix of remote and possibly in-person sessions.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Study participants randomized to the experimental condition will receive IPS services as usual in conjunction with the MWW intervention.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Study participants randomized to the control condition will receive IPS services as usual.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston University Charles River Campus

Lead Sponsor

Trials

125

Recruited

14,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The WorkingWell mobile app was found to be a feasible tool for providing employment support to individuals with serious mental illnesses, with 87% of participants completing the 2-month study and reporting it as user-friendly and helpful for job management.

Participants rated the app positively on usability, with 86% agreeing it would assist them in managing their work better, indicating its potential effectiveness in supporting this population in the workplace.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The WorkingWell Mobile Phone App for Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses: Proof-of-Concept, Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study. Nicholson, J., Wright, SM., Carlisle, AM., et al.[2023]

Employment plays a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals with mental illness, as it fosters hope and the possibility of returning to an active social life.

The recovery approach emphasizes that individuals can work towards recovery without needing to fully eliminate their mental health issues first, highlighting the importance of vocational rehabilitation practices like Individual Placement and Support (IPS) that align with recovery-oriented values.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Employment and Recovery Process]. Pachoud, B.[2018]

The author argues that a flexible, long-term sheltered workshop is necessary for psychiatric patients, as many cannot achieve a lasting cure and often struggle with vocational performance in the community.

Despite challenges, the author emphasizes that patients can engage in work both in hospital workshops and community settings, highlighting the importance of employment for self-respect and rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The case for a flexible, long-term sheltered workshop for psychiatric patients. Wilder, JF.[2019]

The book offers a thorough examination of the theoretical frameworks and legal regulations in the United States that support the employment of individuals with mental health disabilities.

It emphasizes best practices for successfully integrating and supporting employees with mental health challenges in the workplace.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Handbook of mental health in the workplace Jay C Thomas and Michel Hersen Handbook of mental health in the workplace Sage 574 £77 0761922555 0761922555 [Formula: see text]. [2019]

A prospective study involving 126 outpatients across 7 clinical work therapy departments indicates that outpatient work therapy is beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for chronically mentally ill patients.

Despite the lack of robust evidence for the therapeutic effectiveness of work therapy in psychiatric treatment, this study suggests it plays a valuable role in patient care, highlighting the need for further empirical research in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Ambulatory occupational therapy. Results of a multicenter, prospective evaluation study]. Reker, T., Eikelmann, B.[2019]

Schizophrenia significantly impacts individuals and their families, highlighting the need for comprehensive management strategies.

Effective management of schizophrenia involves understanding diverse outcomes and utilizing various treatment approaches to support patients in reaching their full potential.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Working with schizophrenia: a clinician's personal experience. Jeffries, JJ.[2019]

A comprehensive analysis of 100 academic publications and various other documents in Canada identified five key perspectives that shape work integration for individuals with mental illnesses: competency, citizenship, workplace health, potential and growth, and community economic development.

Understanding these diverse perspectives helps clarify how work integration is perceived and addressed, revealing the rationale behind different solutions and guiding future policy and practice in this field.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Canadian model of work integration for persons with mental illnesses. Kirsh, B., Krupa, T., Cockburn, L., et al.[2010]

There is a significant gap in social work education in Canada regarding training on the importance of employment for individuals with mental illness, despite evidence that work is crucial for recovery.

High unemployment rates among people with mental illness and increasing mental health issues in workplaces highlight the need for social work educators to incorporate employment support training into their curricula.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Work, employment, and mental illness: expanding the domain of Canadian social work. Shankar, J., Barlow, CA., Khalema, E.[2022]

In Poland, nearly 1.5 million people received outpatient psychiatric care in 2010, highlighting the significant prevalence of mental health issues, yet only 17% of those with mental disabilities were employed, indicating a major gap in workforce participation.

Research shows that professional activity can stabilize mental health and aid recovery, but individuals with mental disorders face stigma and barriers in the job market, necessitating collaboration among medical professionals to enhance social and professional rehabilitation efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Employees with mental illness - possibilities and barriers in professional activity]. Cybula-Fujiwara, A., Merecz-Kot, D., Walusiak-Skorupa, J., et al.[2015]

Participants in an eight-week peer-led intervention called Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) showed significant improvements in self-reported symptoms, recovery, hopefulness, self-advocacy, and physical health after the program, based on interviews with 80 individuals.

Those who attended six or more sessions experienced greater benefits, indicating that higher engagement in the program may lead to better psychosocial outcomes, suggesting the need for further research to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Initial outcomes of a mental illness self-management program based on wellness recovery action planning. Cook, JA., Copeland, ME., Hamilton, MM., et al.[2019]

Citations

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Exploring mental illness in the workplace:the role of HR ... We introduce a special issue featuring six articles on various aspects related to the role of Human Resource Management in managing mental illness at work.