Predictors of employment outcomes among supported employment program participants with spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with employment outcomes of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment (SE) among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A secondary analysis of data from a 24-month study of IPS participants with SCI was conducted. Factors from three broad domains of sociodemographic, clinical, and supports were examined for potential impact on employment outcomes. Regression analysis was used to model the probability of obtaining employment. RESULTS: Univariate models showed significant predictors by domain as follows: Sociodemographic - college education, employment at time of SCI, and post-SCI work experience; Clinical - tetraplegia, number of inpatient days, and traumatic brain injury history; Supports - transportation and motor function/mobility. In the multivariate model, only number of inpatient hospital days during IPS and post-SCI work experience remained significant. CONCLUSION: Longer hospital admissions were associated with a reduced likelihood for IPS participants to obtain employment. Full participation in IPS leading to job acquisition is most likely to occur when health is optimized and prolonged hospitalization is minimized To understand how past experience working with a SCI influences participation in IPS services and employment outcomes, including job sustainability, further examination is needed.