Program fidelity is essentially a recipe to follow to get the desired final product and outcomes. The recipe specifies the not only the necessary ingredients, but also their doses or amounts. By definition, an evidence-based practice is to be clearly defined (i.e., the ingredients and doses specified) and produce positive outcomes.
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) has a fidelity tool that can be used to assess the extent to which the “recipe” of IPS is being followed, which in turn can guide quality improvement efforts. Fidelity tools are also of interest to policy-makers and funders, as it can serve as a check on quality at a given time.
For more information on the IPS Fidelity Tool, visit IPS Employment Center, hosted by the developers of the IPS model and fidelity tool: https://www.ipsworks.org/resources/trainers/ips-supported-employment-fidelity/
photo: Bonnie Kittle
Outer Banks, NC
