Occupational Medicine 1974;24:130-133
© 1974 Society of Occupational Medicine
research-article |
The Employment of Ex-psychiatric Hospital In-patients: A content analysis of open-ended comment received in recent correspondence with Members of the Society of Occupational Medicine.
Department of Sociology and Social Administration, University of Southampton
In a recent research study in which members of the Society of Occupational Medicine participated, respondents were invited to comment on their experience with regard to the employment of ex-psychiatric hospital in-patients. This paper attempts a qualitative analysis of the salient points expressed. Difficulties encountered include a tendency towards excessive sickness absence, containing relapses, disturbance of the work of others and difficulties of personal relationships. Problems of extreme oddity of behaviour or acute breakdown affect only a small minority. The time required for the rehabilitation of the mentally ill in the working situation can be long and is often underestimated. Difficulties experienced in obtaining adequate information from hospital consultant psychiatrists are cited as a significant impediment to helping ex-patients.
The bulk of this research is reported on elsewhere but it was thought that members of the SOM would be interested to read of each others' attitudes and experience as proffered to the researcher in questionnaires and correspondence. To those who have taken the trouble to formulate these observations and write so courteously, she wishes again to express her deep appreciation.
Requests for reprints should be addressed to: Nancy Wansbrough, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Sociology and Social Administration, University of Southampton.