Performance in occupational therapy as a predictor of successful prevocational training

Abstract

Scores on three subtests of the Minnesota Follow-up Scale (MFS) were related to client outcomes in a prevocational training program in a study of 26 clients who were referred from an adult psychiatric day treatment unit. The results of the study agreed with a prediction that successful performance in occupational therapy in the day treatment unit, as measured by subtest 1, would be significantly related to successful client outcomes. the results regarding predictions for two other subtests were less conclusive because clients received high scores. Age and sex distributions showed that the younger male clients were most likely to be referred for prevocational training. The staff of the prevocational training program accepted the results of the study and also agreed that performance in occupational therapy (in the day treatment unit) should receive greater recognition by staff members as an important indicator of work potential when evaluating clients for referral to a vocational training program. It is planned to continue the use of the MFS in the day treatment unit as an aid for evaluating clients for referral purposes. Scores will continue to be related to client outcomes in the prevocational training program. Further study is also planned concerning the relationship of age and sex and sources to which clients are discharged or referred from the day treatment unit.