A clubhouse fidelity index: preliminary reliability and validity results

Although core clubhouse components are well known, no instruments currently exist to measure clubhouse fidelity. In the current study, a short index was developed to assess program implementation of clubhouse components. Presence or absence of 15 objective clubhouse features was tabulated across 22 of 24 psychiatric rehabilitation programs throughout one New England state. Results supported the internal consistency, criterion-related validity, and convergent validity of this instrument. The clubhouse index was able accurately to differentiate programs at three levels of clubhouse fidelity, and results further indicated that programs with higher clubhouse fidelity scores also adhered more strongly to underlying principles of rehabilitation practice. These findings suggest the clubhouse index holds promise as a fidelity tool for researchers and administrators.