Evaluating the Early Implementation of a Community Crisis Bed Program for People Experiencing a Psychiatric Emergency Using Key Component Scaling

Abstract

This article describes an evaluation of the early implementation of a community crisis bed program for people experiencing a psychiatric emergency. A Key Component Scaling approach was used (a) to provide detailed and specific data on the implementation of particular program components, (b) to facilitate a comparison of perceptions of program implementation across program partners, and (c) to increase program understanding by these various partners. Three stakeholder groups (mobile crisis team staff, bed provider staff, and community partners) provided quantitative and qualitative data that helped to identify well-implemented program components, challenges in implementation, and suggestions for improvements.