Opinions matter: career outcomes and educational preferences of psychiatric rehabilitation graduates

Chiara Quilici; Sara Catellani; Luca Pingani; Silvia Ferrari; Gian Maria Galeazzi; Giulia Ferrazzi

doi:10.23750/abm.v95i6.16079

Opinions matter: career outcomes and educational preferences of psychiatric rehabilitation graduates

Authors

Chiara Quilici Scuola di Scienze della Salute Umana, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Sara Catellani Dipartimento ad Attività Integrata di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, Azienda USL – IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Luca Pingani Dipartimento ad Attività Integrata di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, Azienda USL – IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Silvia Ferrari Dipartimento ad Attività Integrata di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, Azienda USL – IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Gian Maria Galeazzi Dipartimento ad Attività Integrata di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, Azienda USL – IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Giulia Ferrazzi Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Italy. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1103-493X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v95i6.16079

Keywords:

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Technique, Bachelor’s Degree, Employment Status, Mental Health Professional, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Technicians, Quality Assurance System, Survey

Abstract

Background and aim: Graduates’ perspectives on bachelor’s degrees are crucial to enhance the Quality Assurance System in Italian Universities. This study aimed to gather data on the employment status of graduates from the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Technique bachelor’s program at the University of ….. and to collect insights for monitoring and innovation of the formative plan.

Research design and Methods: A cross-sectional study including all graduates until November 2022 (N: 247) was conducted, utilizing an online survey related to employment status and educational experiences. Data analyses involved categorizing subjects into two groups based on graduation year (Group 1: 2004-2012, Group 2: 2013-2022) for comparative analyses, considering the impact of Ministerial Decree No.270/2004, which overhauled the formative plan.

Results: Of 247 graduates, 183 (74,1%) were tracked, 145 questionnaires were collected and 136 were deemed valid (74,3%). Significant differences emerged in initial recruiting timelines (Group 2: 2,3 months, Group 1: 5,6 months) and in employment contracts (Group 1: more stable arrangements at the onset of career, Group 2: increase in freelance agreements). Group 2 graduates expressed higher satisfaction with the educational program. Qualitative analyses revealed weaknesses highlighted by Group 1, including inadequate representation of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Technicians (TeRPs) and deficient teaching content. Group 2 reported improvements in these areas but noted issues such as exam fragmentation and insufficient workshops.

Conclusions: The study identified significant differences in employment status and educational opinions between the groups. Survey administration helped assess employability and attractiveness of TeRP profile, leading to suggestions for curriculum enhancement.

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