Is there a role for fidelity self-assessment in the individual placement and support model of supported employment?

Abstract

Objective: Fidelity assessments help ensure that evidencebased practices are implemented properly. Although assessments are typically conducted by independent raters, some programs have implemented self-assessments because of resource constraints. Self-assessments were compared with independent assessments of programs implementing individual placement and support supported employment. Methods: Eleven community-based outpatient programs in New York State completed both self-and independent assessments. Intraclass correlation coefficients and paired t tests were used to compare scores from self-and independent assessments. Results: For both assessment methods, mean scores for all programs were within the range of fair fidelity. Self-and independent assessment total scores were not significantly different; however, significant differences were found on some scale items in this small sample. Conclusions: Self-assessment may be valid for examining a program's overall functioning and useful when resource constraints prevent independent assessment. Independent assessors may be able to identify nuances, particularly on individual assessment items, that can point to areas for program improvement.