Statewide implementation of high-fidelity recovery-oriented ACT: A case study

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a recognized evidence-based practice, but the use of Translation Science to ensure the broad implementation of high quality ACT services has not yet been fully explored. This single intrinsic case study explores how Oregon uses strategies identified through Translation Science to achieve statewide implementation of high-fidelity recovery-oriented ACT.

Multiple data sources were used to evaluate this implementation process, including ACT fidelity review reports, programmatic outcome data, a national ACT taskforce survey, and focus groups with program participants.

In 2013, the Oregon Health Authority funded the creation of the Oregon Center of Excellence for Assertive Community Treatment to support the implementation of ACT. It also implemented administrative rules requiring an annual re-certification process with a minimum level of fidelity to the evidence-based model. Other implementation strategies included establishing an ACT Advisory Committee, quarterly reviews of implementation and outcome data, and trainings promoting the role of peer providers and related evidence-based practices.

High-fidelity recovery-oriented ACT services in Oregon are maintained through multiple strategies, including codifying the minimum level of ACT implementation into state administrative rule, linking fidelity benchmarks scores to Medicaid reimbursements, and funding ongoing oversight, training and technical assistance through a statewide technical assistance center. Strict adherence to the ACT model has been a key to ensuring a uniform level of high-quality care across Oregon while incorporating additional evidence-based practices without compromising the integrity of the original model.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a mental health program serving individuals with the most severe mental illness in the community. While ACT is an evidence-based practice, there is more research needed to explore how ACT is implemented and maintained in different settings. In 2013, Oregon implemented ACT statewide. The Oregon Center of Excellence for ACT was created to provide training and technical assistance to ACT teams and conduct yearly fidelity reviews. Oregon is among the few states who have attached funding to yearly ACT certification, uses community sizes to determine the size of the ACT teams, and the technical assistance center not only provides training but also conducts yearly review of fidelity to the ACT model. This case study will review the steps Oregon took to implement ACT, how it continues to monitor fidelity to the model and provide training and support, and focus on recovery orientation and integrating evidence-based practices. Continued support, training, and the linking of fidelity benchmark scores to program funding are the ways that Oregon makes sure that ACT teams are successfully implementing the ACT model to fidelity with recovery-oriented care.