Strengths model case management fidelity scores and client outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The study examined the relationship between fidelity of strengths model case management (SMCM) and client outcomes of psychiatric hospitalization, competitive employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.

METHODS

Data were collected over an 18-month period during regularly scheduled fidelity reviews for 14 case management teams representing ten agencies serving an average of 953 clients diagnosed as having a serious mental illness. Time-varying covariate linear growth modeling examined the relationship between fidelity scores and client outcomes.

RESULTS

A statistically significant association was found between fidelity scores and psychiatric hospitalization, competitive employment, and postsecondary education.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results offer promising evidence that higher SMCM fidelity has a positive effect on clients over an 18-month period, thereby providing an effective complement to current mental health treatment.