The IPS-Y: IPS Fidelity Scale for Young Adults

Background: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based employment model for adults with serious mental illness. The IPS-25 is a standardized fidelity scale measuring adherence to this model. Although research on the effectiveness of IPS for young adults is promising, researchers and program leaders lack an IPS fidelity scale tailored to this group.

Objective:We describe a newly developed fidelity scale appropriate for IPS programs serving young adults.

Method:After a literature review, consultation with IPS program leaders and researchers, and preliminary testing, we created a new 35-item scale, the IPS Fidelity Scale for Young Adults (IPS-Y) with two subscales (IPS-Employment and IPS-Education), based on the IPS-25 and expanded to include supported education. We also created a new education checklist as a supervisory tool and aid in fidelity assessment. We then piloted the new scale at 8 sites to determine feasibility and acceptability.

Results: After 8 fidelity reviews, assessors indicated that the scale was feasible and aligned well to the services IPS programs provided to this age group. IPS practitioners reported that the scale was understandable and relevant to evaluating their services. Across 5 fidelity reviews, IPS-Employment ratings ranged from 63 (not IPS) to 110 (exemplary) and IPS-Education ratings ranged from 33 (fair) to 49 (exemplary), suggesting the use of the full range of ratings on both subscales.

Conclusions: The IPS-Y addresses a longstanding gap in both research and practice in evaluating IPS services for young adults. Preliminary experience is promising, but formal psychometric studies are needed.