Individual placement and support for people with acquired brain injury: feasibility and initial results

PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS-)intervention for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) in the chronic phase without an employer and explore initial outcomes. METHODS: A feasibility study was conducted in three Dutch institutions specialized in post-ABI work participation. Participants included five IPS employment specialists (IPS-ES), 15 clients with ABI, 13 relatives, and eight employers. Clients' IPS-counseling lasted 1 year. Data were collected through questionnaires, IPS-ES administration, and researcher-administered home assessments. Feasibility was evaluated in terms of acceptability, implementation, practicality, adaptation, and limited-efficacy testing using descriptive analyses. RESULTS: Acceptability analyses showed median scores of 7, 8, 7, and 7 points across groups for counseling, and 8, 7, 6, and 7 points for counseling outcomes (scale 1 (not) - 10 (very satisfied)). Implementation showed reasonable model fidelity, with strengths in IPS-ES guidance and expertise, and challenges in competitive employment focus, rapid job search and placement, and integration of health and employment services. Practicality was sufficient. Several adaptations were suggested. Limited-efficacy testing showed eight of 15 clients (53%) obtaining paid work. CONCLUSION: IPS appeared feasible: Implementation was reasonably model-faithful, stakeholders were satisfied, and >50% achieved paid employment. Broader implementation is recommended, addressing identified challenges and continuing evaluation.