Assessing Program Fidelity Patterns within the IPS for Young Adults in Norway

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Implementation Science
• Supported Employment

Background:

• Evidence-based practices necessitate fidelity scales for successful implementation.
• Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a proven supported employment model for adults with mental health conditions.
• Norway launched a nationwide IPS program for young adults in 2021, using the IPS-Y fidelity scale.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the variability of IPS-Y fidelity at scale and item levels.
• To determine the internal consistency of the IPS-Y fidelity scale.
• To understand the experiences of IPS specialists and supervisors with fidelity assessments.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 52 fidelity assessments (independent and self-assessed) of IPS young adult services.
• Analyzed 58 open-ended responses from IPS specialists and supervisors.
• Examined fidelity ratings at scale and item levels, including specific service collaborations.

Main Results:

• Fidelity ratings varied across items and services, with lower scores for collaboration and outreach.
• The IPS-Y scale and its subscales demonstrated good internal consistency.
• Practitioners viewed fidelity assessments positively, recognizing their necessity for learning, despite some finding them time-consuming.

Conclusions:

• Fidelity assessments effectively measure program fidelity in the IPS young adults program.
• Practitioners perceive fidelity assessments as crucial for professional development and learning.
• Regular fidelity assessments are vital for maintaining the quality of IPS services for young adults.