Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model for people with serious mental illness in Jalisco, Mexico: a pilot study protocol

BACKGROUND: Severe mental illness (SMI) is associated with substantial barriers to competitive employment, including stigma, cognitive impairments, and limited social support. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is an evidence-based intervention that provides individualized assistance for job search, placement, and retention. Although IPS has shown effectiveness in high-income countries, there is limited evidence regarding its feasibility and preliminary outcomes in low- and middle-income settings, particularly in Latin America. METHODS: This pilot randomized controlled trial will assess the feasibility of implementing the IPS model for adults with SMI in Jalisco, Mexico. We will recruit 120 participants who are actively seeking employment and randomly assign them to either the IPS intervention or a control group receiving standard employment services. The intervention includes tailored support from trained IPS Employment Specialists in resume building, interview preparation, job search, and follow-up after job placement. Primary feasibility outcomes include recruitment and retention rates, participant acceptance, implementation fidelity, and identification of contextual barriers and facilitators. Secondary outcomes will explore employment status at 12 months, financial well-being, and health-related outcomes. DISCUSSION: Findings from this pilot study will contribute to addressing the current gap in implementation research on IPS in Latin America. Findings will offer preliminary insights into the feasibility, acceptability, and contextual adaptability of the model in a public mental health setting. These results are expected to guide the refinement of study procedures and support planning for a future definitive trial. Additionally, exploratory data on employment and quality of life outcomes may help identify relevant domains for further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06019247. Registered on August 31, 2023.