Perspectives of Clinicians and Program Decision-Makers on the Role of
Fidelity Monitoring in Coordinated Specialty Care: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe how
Coordinated Specialty Care program clinicians and decision-makers
experience fidelity monitoring and what components of the fidelity model
are most relevant to them. Methods: Using an instrumental case
study design informed by the Exploration Preparation Implementation
Sustainment framework, data were collected using semi-structured
interviews. A constant comparison approach with both inductive and
deductive coding was used. Results: Fourteen participants
representing 3 regions of the United States were interviewed. The
analysis resulted in 22 codes and 5 themes, (1) the fidelity review
process, (2) facilitators and barriers to fidelity monitoring, (3) the
impact of monitoring fidelity, (4) pros and cons of fidelity monitoring,
and (5) shared decision making and flexibility. Across participants,
flexible implementation of the model components and shared
decision-making were considered central to implementation. Fidelity
monitoring conflicted with these goals in some experiences. Clinicians
and program decision-makers varied in the experience of facilitators and
barriers to fidelity, yet lack of training and education was an
important barrier. Conclusion: Although participants shared
prioritization of flexibility and shared decision-making as core needs,
the role of fidelity in achieving the goals of coordinated specialty
care was unclear and potentially conflicting. Better alignment of
fidelity monitoring with coordinated specialty care central tenants
could improve the experience of both implementers and clients.