Anna Meneghelli1, Antonio Preti2; 1programma 2000 Milano, 2University of Cagliari
Implementation of fidelity to an evidence-based model is key to assure reproducibility of effectiveness of early intervention for youth and psychosis. The First-Episode Psychosis Services Fidelity Scale (FEPS-FS; Addington et al., 2016) is one of the most complete, reliable, and valid measure of adherence to evidence-based practices for first-episode psychosis services among those available in so far, and it can serve the purpose of assessing the actual implementation of a leading model of early intervention in psychosis. The AIPP (Italian Association of Early Intervention and Prevention in Mental Health; www.aipp-italia.com) has promoted the Italian translation and adaptation of the FEPS-FS for its use within the third Italian national survey on early intervention programs (EIPs). Initial validation of the Italian FEPS-FS in several North-Italy EIPs revealed good inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.70). In so far, about 25% of Italian public Departments of Mental Health have implemented an EIP. There is a wide variability in the distribution of EIPs across the Italian territory, and, as well, there is a wide variability in the fidelity to leading models of early intervention in psychosis as they are implemented in Italian EIPs. The offering of psychoeducation, involvement of family, assignment to a case manager, personalized treatment, and crisis management were the components of these models most often implemented in Italian EIPs. Improving adherence to evidence-based models is imperative to promote effectiveness of treatment in EIPs. Measurement of fidelity to model may contribute to this goal and should be routinely implemented in EIPs.
