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Fidelity scales and performance measures to support implementation and quality assurance for first episode psychosis services.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Birchwood, Maximillian 
Jones, Peter 
McDaid, David 

Abstract

AIM: The purpose of this paper is to review fidelity and outcome measures which can be used to support broad implementation of first episode psychosis services and ensure quality of existing services. First episode psychosis services use a combination of evidence-based practices to improve the outcome of a first episode of psychosis and the early stages of schizophrenia. Now that there is an established international evidence base to show that they are effective, efforts are being made to make such services widely available as a routine part of health care. METHODS: We provide an overview of the literature from the perspective of an expert task force that was commissioned to report to the board of the International Early Psychosis Association IEPA. First, we examined the evidence-based components that underpin first episode psychosis services and identified common elements. Next, we reviewed the availability of fidelity measures and outcome indicators, finally we reviewed how broadly these services are delivered internationally, and the barriers to ensuring broad access to quality services. RESULTS: There is a growing consensus about the elements required to deliver effective services. Fidelity scales and performance measures are available to assess quality, access, and outcome. First episode psychosis services are variably offered in high-income countries and rarely with attention to access and quality of services. Several strategies to promote implementation are identified. CONCLUSIONS: Fidelity scales and outcome measure are valuable resources to support widespread implementation and quality assurance for first episode psychosis services.

Description

Keywords

first episode psychosis, health care, quality indicators, schizophrenia early intervention, schizophrenia epidemiology, schizophrenia prevention and control, Early Medical Intervention, Humans, Mental Health Services, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Psychotic Disorders, Quality Assurance, Health Care

Journal Title

Early Interv Psychiatry

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1751-7885
1751-7893

Volume Title

12

Publisher

Wiley