Exploring Variation in Housing First Implementation: The Role of Fit. Issue 5 (20th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fenwick, Karissa; Henwood, Benjamin; Lengnick-Hall, Rebecca; Stefancic, Ana; Gilmer, Todd
• Is Part Of: Human service organizations, management, leadership & governance. Volume 43:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 392
• Page End: 406
• Publication Date: 2019-10-20
• Subjects: Evidence-based practice -- implementation -- Housing First; Social service -- Periodicals; Social work administration -- Periodicals; 361.3068
• DOI: 10.1080/23303131.2019.1673864
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2330-3131

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This exploratory study examines how three types of fit (technical, cultural, and political) between an evidence-based practice and adopting organization explain fidelity in terms of quantity and quality of core components implemented. Using data from 20 supportive housing programs, fidelity was calculated using a quantitative scale and fit was coded using qualitative program director interviews. Relationships between fidelity and fit were tested with Fisher's exact tests. Cultural fit predicted both high quality and quantity fidelity, and technical fit predicted high-quality fidelity. Interviews provided qualitative examples of how fit influenced implementation. Study results provide preliminary support for the relationship between practice-organization fit and fidelity.