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The utility of a fidelity measure to monitor implementation of new early psychosis services across Australia
Author(s) -
Williams Georgia,
Farrelly Simone,
Thompson Andrew,
Stavely Heather,
Albiston Dianne,
El Kristie,
McGorry Patrick,
Killackey Eóin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.13074
Subject(s) - fidelity , psychosis , context (archaeology) , early psychosis , psychology , psychiatry , clinical psychology , computer science , geography , telecommunications , archaeology
Aim Early psychosis delivery models have proliferated worldwide, but there is limited research into establishing model fidelity. In this context, this article aims to describe the development and implementation of a fidelity tool in a national network of early psychosis services across Australia—the headspace Early Psychosis program. Methods Following a detailed consultation process, and based on the Australian Early Psychosis model, an 80‐item Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre Model Integrity Tool (EMIT) was developed along with predefined thresholds for fidelity. The tool was used to assess adherence to the model in six clusters of service sites across Australia. Ratings on the EMIT were informed by interviews with site staff and young people receiving the service, routinely collected data and site policies and procedures. Results All six clusters of headspace Early Psychosis programs participated in five fidelity assessments across a period of two and a half years. In the initial two visits, the average fidelity score was in the ‘low’ fidelity range (i.e., <75%). By the fifth fidelity visit, the network average improved to 92.35%, reflecting ‘superior’ fidelity. Conclusions Results of the longitudinal fidelity assessments indicate the successful implementation of the Australian Early Psychosis model across the headspace Early Psychosis program. Utilisation of ongoing fidelity assessments has proved an effective method to improve and maintain adherence to the model.