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Experiences of returning to work in patients with schizophrenia after treatment: A longitudinal qualitative study

Author

Listed:
  • Jin Song
  • Yu-xin Zhang
  • Meng-nan Qin
  • Jia-xin Ren
  • Yan-nan Jia
  • Hong Yu
  • Yu-qiu Zhou

Abstract

Background: Returning to work (RTW) has always been regarded as one of the important indicators to evaluate the therapeutic effect of patients with schizophrenia. The existing studies on RTW in patients with schizophrenia are mostly focused on intervention measures, and the qualitative research on RTW is very limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience of the RTW after treatment in patients with schizophrenia. Method: A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted involving 24 patients with schizophrenia in China. The interviews were held at three time-points during their RTW process, (1) when patients had improved and were close to discharge, (2) within 1 month post-discharge, and (3) 6 months post-discharge. The interview recordings were transcribed by the research team, and transcripts were independently analyzed by two independent coders using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: A total of 24 patients with schizophrenia participated in 72 personal interviews. The thematic framework based on the experience of patients with schizophrenia reveals a three-phases of the process of RTW: improved, being at a loss, and job crisis. The study identified one theme of the first phase: the expectation and optimism. Two themes in the second phase: (1) psychological distress of upcoming work; (2) expectation of assistance pre-work. And four themes in the third phase: (1) tremendous pressure of RTW; (2) lack of medical and social support; (3) social status and interpersonal relationships change; and (4) high level of financial pressure. Conclusion: The experience of RTW is a dynamic process with great challenges in each phase, patients with schizophrenia have been deeply affected by what they have experienced. There is an urgent need to ensure that existing community and social support is integrated into daily care to support patients with schizophrenia to RTW successful. The findings of this study also suggest relevant departments and employers should be aware of the barriers to RTW for patients with schizophrenia, and take certain measures to change the current situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin Song & Yu-xin Zhang & Meng-nan Qin & Jia-xin Ren & Yan-nan Jia & Hong Yu & Yu-qiu Zhou, 2024. "Experiences of returning to work in patients with schizophrenia after treatment: A longitudinal qualitative study," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 70(3), pages 588-600, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:70:y:2024:i:3:p:588-600
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640231223423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fei‐Hsiu Hsiao & Steven Klimidis & Harry Minas & Eng‐Seong Tan, 2006. "Cultural attribution of mental health suffering in Chinese societies: the views of Chinese patients with mental illness and their caregivers," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(8), pages 998-1006, August.
    2. Brinchmann, Beate & Widding-Havneraas, Tarjei & Modini, Matthew & Rinaldi, Miles & Moe, Cathrine F. & McDaid, David & Park, A-La & Killackey, Eoin & Harvey, Samuel B. & Mykletun, Arnstein, 2020. "A meta-regression of the impact of policy on the efficacy of individual placement and support," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 102936, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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