Quality of care in Ontario Early Psychosis Intervention programs: An update after the third round of EPI fidelity assessments
A new report is available on findings from fidelity assessments in Ontario EPI programs.
The fidelity assessment project was initiated in 2016 as a partnership between the Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The report includes findings from three completed rounds of fidelity assessments to date, a total of 24 fidelity assessments for 21 programs (almost half of all Ontario EPI programs).
Overall, the fidelity results show that Ontario EPI programs are providing high quality services, reflecting the hard work and dedication of EPI program staff. The results also identify areas of continuing challenge, notably in the routine delivery of structured psychosocial treatments (e.g., supported employment, cognitive behavioral therapy), early access to services, and access to psychiatry.
Fidelity assessments conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that programs were able to continue providing most elements of care, with a small number of expected exceptions (e.g., public education, meeting clients in the community). Routine fidelity assessments can help inform system level efforts to improve quality of EPI services in Ontario.
Download the report [PDF; external].