Fidelity to Common Elements of Coordinated Specialty Care: Outcomes of Clients With First-Episode Psychosis

The present study examined whether clients enrolled in coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs for first-episode psychosis (FEP) across 22 states and territories showed improved clinical and functional outcomes and assessed whether program- or client-level predictors were associated with client outcomes. The study included CSC programs that subscribe to a variety of models, including Early Assessment and Support Alliance, OnTrack, and NAVIGATE.

Deidentified demographic and outcome data were collected from clients (N=770) receiving CSC services in 36 programs at the time of program entry and every 6 months for up to 18 months. Programs participated in fidelity assessment by using the First-Episode Psychosis Services Fidelity Scale, version 1.0, developed for the study and based on the components of the CSC model defined by NIMH. Additional program-level variables assessed during the study included staff turnover rate and time spent on CSC services.

Across programs, clients experienced improved symptoms, higher quality of life, and improved social and role functioning. Of note, participants from high-income families had greater improvement in role functioning than participants from low-income families. Higher levels of fidelity predicted reduced symptoms and improved social functioning. Having a CSC team lead with time dedicated to the program was also associated with greater improvements in clients’ symptoms and social functioning.

Clients showed improvements, regardless of program or demographic characteristic. Program-level findings suggest that fidelity to the core components of CSC is important for improving client outcomes across a range of specific program models.