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Durham ACTT Fares Well On Evidence-Based Practices Fidelity Audit
November 08, 2006
Evidence-based practices are effective treatments proven to bring positive outcomes. In North Carolina there are five Evidence-Based Practices: Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Supported Employment, Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) and Family Psychoeducation.
In May, 2006 the NC Evidence-Based Practice Center audited select programs across the state, including Telecare's Durham ACTT team, using the DACTS Fidelity Scale (Dartmouth Assertive Community Treastment Scale). The Durham audit was funded by a grant received by The Durham Center LME.
The Durham ACTT team scored an average of 4.43 (out of a possible 5), in all covered the areas of Human Resources (e.g., small caseload, psychiatrist on staff), Organizational Boundaries (e.g., explicit admission criteria), and Nature of Services (e.g., in-vivo services). Prior research has suggested that a score of 4 or higher as an overall mean is found in well-established ACT programs. A score of 4.43 means that the Durham ACTT team scored high across all levels and is adhering well to the ACT model.
The reviewer states: "This ACT Team is very organized, has excellent leadership, is working very hard to follow the EBP model for ACT, provides good services and will continue to make progress in positive outcomes and higher fidelity ratings."
The reviewer also shared these recommendations:
- Continue to complete DACTS reviews at least annually to insure the Team does not drift from the model.
- Make sure all staff receives the Evidence Based Practices (EBP) ACT training.
- Encourage staff to receive training in other EBPs as well as motivational interviewing.
- Implement other EBPs into the ACT practice.
- Evaluate the possibility of hiring 1 FTE psychiatrist
A number of teams across the state were audited, though overall results have not been made public other than to the programs and local LME's.
Our team was very pleased with the outcome and were told by the review that we were one of the best ACT teams in the state. Durham ACTT will self-review using the DACTS every 6 months to assure we remain faithful to this Evidence Based Practice.
