Maintaining Intervention Fidelity When Using Technology Delivery Across Studies

Abstract

The current standard in healthcare research is to maintain scientific fidelity of any intervention being tested. Fidelity is defined as the consistent delivery of interventions that ensures that all participants are provided the same information, guidance, and/or materials. Notably, the methods for ensuring fidelity of intervention delivery must also be consistent. This article describes our Intervention and Technology Delivery Fidelity Checklists used to ensure consistency. These checklists were completed by trained nurse observers who rated the intervention implementation and the technology delivery. Across our clinical trials and pilot studies, the fidelity scores were tabulated and compared. Intervention information and materials were delivered by a variety of devices including telehealth monitors, videophones, and/or iPads. Each of the devices allows audiovisual connections between health professionals from their offices and patients and participants in their homes. Our checklists guide the monitoring of fidelity of technology delivery. Overall checklist ratings across our studies demonstrate consistent intervention, implementation, and technology delivery approaches. Uniquely, the fidelity checklist verifies the interventionist's correct use of the technology devices to ensure consistent audiovisual delivery. Checklist methods to ensure intervention fidelity and technology delivery are essential research procedures, which can be adapted for use by researchers across multiple disciplines.