Fidelity Scale
A standardized assessment instrument used to measure how closely a community mental health program adheres to the defining criteria of an evidence-based practice model.
Full Definition
Fidelity scales quantify the degree to which a program implements an evidence-based model as originally designed, ensuring that outcome data can be attributed to the model rather than to idiosyncratic local adaptations. In community psychiatry, commonly referenced fidelity scales include the Dartmouth Assertive Community Treatment Scale (DACTS), the IPS Fidelity Scale for supported employment, and the Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) fidelity scale. Editors working on program evaluation reports must distinguish between a fidelity review, which produces a fidelity score, and a program audit, which may cover compliance, billing, or regulatory concerns. The term 'fidelity' in this context is a technical term and should not be softened to 'adherence' without checking whether the source document draws a technical distinction between the two.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise the proper name of a specific scale (e.g., DACTS Fidelity Scale) but use lowercase for generic references to 'fidelity scale'.
In Context
- "The external reviewers used the DACTS fidelity scale to score the agency's ACT team at 4.1 out of 5." — Program evaluation report
- "Funding continuation was contingent on achieving a satisfactory fidelity scale score within 18 months of program launch." — Grant contract