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Implementation Science
Published in: Implementation Science 1/2007

Open Access 01-12-2007 | Debate

A conceptual framework for implementation fidelity

Authors: Christopher Carroll, Malcolm Patterson, Stephen Wood, Andrew Booth, Jo Rick, Shashi Balain

Published in: Implementation Science | Issue 1/2007

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Abstract

Background

Implementation fidelity refers to the degree to which an intervention or programme is delivered as intended. Only by understanding and measuring whether an intervention has been implemented with fidelity can researchers and practitioners gain a better understanding of how and why an intervention works, and the extent to which outcomes can be improved.

Discussion

The authors undertook a critical review of existing conceptualisations of implementation fidelity and developed a new conceptual framework for understanding and measuring the process. The resulting theoretical framework requires testing by empirical research.

Summary

Implementation fidelity is an important source of variation affecting the credibility and utility of research. The conceptual framework presented here offers a means for measuring this variable and understanding its place in the process of intervention implementation.
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Metadata
Title
A conceptual framework for implementation fidelity
Authors
Christopher Carroll
Malcolm Patterson
Stephen Wood
Andrew Booth
Jo Rick
Shashi Balain
Publication date
01-12-2007
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Implementation Science / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1748-5908
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-2-40

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