Evidence Based Approaches to Systematic Fidelity Assessment for First Episode Programs

This webinar will highlight research that has been conducted to develop and validate a standardized scale to measure key components of evidence-based services for first episode psychosis. The resulting tool—the First Episode Psychosis Fidelity Scale (FEPS-FS)—is a 32-item scale that covers assessment and monitoring, pharmacotherapy, psychosocial treatments and team structure and function. It has high inter-rater reliability, face validity, and discriminative validity; and it works across rural, urban and academic programs in varying health systems. Two further fidelity scales, measuring supported employment and supported education, will also be presented as useful additions to a comprehensive quality improvement effort.