Fidelity review
A fidelity review is a way of assessing the extent to which a service has faithfully implemented the evidence-based supported employment (EBSE) approach. It is an essential part of effective implementation of EBSE.
A review includes:
- letters of introduction and requirements
- a pre-worksite consultation
- on-site workplace assessment using the 25-item scale fidelity review
- a formal report with recommendations based on the results from the fidelity review
- supporting the services to develop a 6-12 month action plan in line with the recommendations.
What happens during a fidelity review?
A fidelity review uses the standardised fidelity scale, developed by Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, which has been specifically adapted for Australia and New Zealand.
A trained Blueprint for Learning fidelity reviewer will visit your service over several days and talk to staff and clients. A snapshot will be captured of the current practices they observe and what they actually see evidence of, as opposed to what is intended or planned for the future. The reviewer will talk to everyone involved in the service, such as:
- the clients/service users (and families if appropriate)
- the clinicians in the clinical team
- the employment consultant who works with that team.
The reviewer will then collate his or her findings into a report, with comments from the service, and allocated a fidelity score. Detailed feedback about the service will be provided.
The fidelity scale, as a tool for development, can and should be incorporated into a service's regular processes of internal review including supervision of employment consultants. A service actively using the fidelity scale on a regular basis is likely to score more highly in a fidelity review. Research shows that higher fidelity EBSE services deliver better employment outcomes. Best practice recommends a fidelity review occurs annually.
For more information
For more information on Blueprint’s evidence-based supported employment training and the fidelity review please contact:
Miranda Lintott
miranda.lintott "at" blueprint.co.nz
0800 4 blueprint (0800 425 837) within New Zealand
+64 4 381 6385 internationally
Last updated 4:57:07 pm Wednesday 14 December, 2011