Fidelity Criteria: Development, Measurement, and Validation
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2003
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1177/109821400302400303
Abstract
Fidelity may be defined as the extent to which delivery of an intervention adheres to the protocol or program model originally developed. Fidelity measurement has increasing significance for evaluation, treatment effectiveness research, and service administration. Yet few published studies using fidelity criteria provide details on the construction of a valid fidelity index. The purpose of this review article is to outline steps in the development, measurement, and validation of fidelity criteria, providing examples from health and education literatures.We further identify important issues in conducting each step. Finally, we raise questions about the dynamic nature of fidelity criteria, appropriate validation and statistical analysis methods, the inclusion of structure and process criteria in fidelity assessment, and the role of program theory in deciding on the balance between adaptation versus exact replication of model programs. Further attention to the use and refinement of fidelity criteria is important to evaluation practice.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
American Journal of Evaluation, v. 24, issue 3, p. 315-340
Scholar Commons Citation
Mowbray, Carol T.; Holter, Mark C.; Teague, Gregory; and Bybee, Deborah, "Fidelity Criteria: Development, Measurement, and Validation" (2003). Mental Health Law & Policy Faculty Publications. 7.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/mhlp_facpub/7
