Page 105 - HA Convention 2015

Service Priorities and Programmes Free Papers

SPP1.2 Patient Empowerment 10:45 Room 221

Pilot Outcomes of Career Activation Network (CAN) – Vocational Rehabilitation for People with Substance Abuse Monday, 18 May

in Castle Peak Hospital
Chiu WC 1, Lin WKP 1, Lam M 2, Law KM 1
1Occupational Therapy Department, 2Tuen Mun Substance Abuse Clinic, Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong

Introduction

Gainful employment has been regarded as a protective factor against substance abuse. Research studies have consistently
shown that clients are more successful in treatment and have longer abstinence rates when they are employed. However,
unemployment is a key problem facing clients with substance abuse. To counter this problem, a method of vocational
intervention namely Career Activation Network (CAN) was developed with the aim of rapid-placing clients in competitive
employment through an established employer network developed by occupational therapist.

Objectives
To evaluate the effectiveness of CAN programme in promoting employment of clients with substance abuse.

Methodology

Clients referred for vocational rehabilitation by medical officers from Tuen Mun Substance Abuse Clinic (TMSAC) were invited
to join the CAN programme. These clients were provided with “one-stop” vocational services, which included work readiness
development, vocational assessment, job matching, orientation to work environment, and on-the-job support. The main
outcome measures were employment status, length of employment and client satisfaction.

Results

A total of 49 clients (33 male and 16 female) participated in the programme from August 2013 to December 2014. Their
mean age was 36.4±8.7. Prior to the programme, six clients (12.2%) were working in supported employment (SE) while
the remaining 43 (87.8%) were unemployed. Most of them (74.4%) had been unemployed for more than two years. Upon
completion of the programme, 41 clients (83.7%) were employed and amongst them, 23 (56.1%) sustained the job for
more than one month. Their mean monthly salary was $7,440. For the six clients who worked in SE previously, five of them
successfully resumed competitive employment. For the client satisfaction survey, 37 out of 49 questionnaires were returned.
The response rate was 75.5%. Results indicated high satisfaction towards the programme. 86.5% of the respondents
reported that CAN could satisfy their vocational needs and 100% agreed that the programme contributed to their successful
employment. Most respondents (97.3%) would resort to CAN programme again if needed and all of them (100%) would
recommend this programme to those who also encountered similar employment challenges. In conclusion, the pilot
outcomes of CAN indicated that the programme was effective in promoting employment for clients with substance abuse.

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