Learning Objective #1: Identify the critical ingredients of the Medication Management (MedMAP) Fidelity Scale for evidence-based practice

Learning Objective #2: Describe fidelity in the context of measuring medication algorithm adherence in mental health treatment over time

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Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are research-based clinical frameworks that promote effective treatment of individuals with mental illnesses; medication algorithms are EBPs that guide clinical decision-making in prescriptive practice. Fidelity refers to the degree of implementation of an EBP. A research study used the Medication Management Fidelity Scale Protocol to evaluate implementation of medication algorithms in the treatment of schizophrenia in six outpatient community mental health centers in a southeastern state of the U.S. The purpose of this presentation is to describe how fidelity measurement scales evaluated the degree to which MDs and ARNPs incorporated medication algorithms into their clinical practices. Critical ingredients of the protocol included an accessible illness and medication history, client input into decision- making about medication treatment, medication treatment guided by outcomes, and use of quantitative measures to evaluate client symptoms and functioning. Findings of year one of the 3-year project suggested that fidelity scores were higher for simplification of medication regime, use of recommended dose ranges, and patient involvement in treatment decisions. Fidelity scores were lower in accessible illness and medication history, use of quantitative scales for measuring treatment outcomes, and patient education about medications. Findings underscore the importance of using fidelity scales in quality assurance to evaluate and improve prescriptive practice.