Measuring Intervention Fidelity Across Multiple Dimensions in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation

Intervention fidelity is the extent that intervention occurs as intended. Fidelity in pediatric research or clinical practice presents a unique challenge. Interventions are complex, involving multiple components that are difficult to standardize. Interventions often rely on parents/caregivers to carry out treatment with their child in the home or community. Fidelity needs to be considered through two lenses: delivery of the intervention by therapists with children; and families enacting (carrying out) intervention with their child in the natural environment. This session is for researchers and clinicians working with children and families who are interested in understanding intervention fidelity as a means to better understand therapy outcomes. Introductory content will be included, so no prior knowledge of fidelity is needed to benefit from this session. Attendees will learn about dimensions of intervention fidelity. Examples of tools used for measuring fidelity in a variety of settings and across a variety of dimensions will be provided to assist attendees with applying this content to their area of pediatric practice and research. The focus of the second half of this session is on applying the content by developing a plan for measuring fidelity. Small working groups will develop a plan that is relevant to their own setting, considering opportunities, resource needs, and challenges. Attendees will benefit from a large-group discussion of the plans developed by the small working groups in order to leave the session with a product that will guide them in next steps in their clinical practice or research.