Question: In adults of working age with severe and enduring mental health difficulties, how effective are community rehabilitation programmes (particularly gardening or cooking) in terms of their morbidity and in helping them find work?

Answer:

The studies included in this evidence summary assessed a very limited number of intervention types. There was insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of life skills training programmes, on life skills or other outcomes, in people with psychotic illness. A very small pilot study failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of the Action Over Inertia occupational therapy intervention in improving occupational balance and engagement in people with serious mental illness. One large RCT, of moderate to poor methodological quality, provided some evidence that supported employment models with high levels of integration of psychiatric and vocational services can be effective in improving employment outcomes for people with in people with severe and persistent mental illness.

Further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of these and other community rehabilitation interventions.