Participant Engagement in Supported Employment: A Systematic Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to synthesise the available knowledge on how participant engagement in supported employment (SE) interventions is presented, defined, and conceptualised. We also aimed to develop a working definition of participant engagement in SE based on the results of our study. Methods This systematic scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. The following databases were systematically searched: EBSCO, SCOPUS, Social Care Online, and JSTOR. We included peer-reviewed publications in English based on empirical studies. Results Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Thematic framework analysis resulted in three themes conveying the concept of participant engagement: self-determined choice, empowerment, and collaboration/working alliance. We suggest that participant engagement in SE is an active multifaceted process that involves the empowerment of participants, participants’ exercise of self-determined informed choice, and their collaboration with SE practitioners in a working alliance. Conclusions Participant empowerment, self-determined choice, and collaboration are important aspects of participant engagement in SE. The study results will appeal to SE practitioners and make significant contributions to the broader field of other vocational services supporting people in (re-)entering the competitive labour market.