Cited by 93Health Policy Implementation SciencePsychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsSchool Health and Nursing Education

Examining implementer fidelity: conceptualising and measuring adherence and competence

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Cross, Wendi, West, Jennifer·2011·Journal of Children's Services

Abstract

The positive outcomes demonstrated in programme efficacy trials and the apparent ineffectiveness of programmes in community settings have prompted investigators and practitioners to examine implementation fidelity. Critically important, but often overlooked, are the implementers who deliver evidence‐based programmes. This article distinguishes fidelity at the programme level from implementer fidelity. Two components of implementer fidelity are defined. It is proposed that implementer adherence and competence are related but unique constructs that can be reliably measured for training, monitoring and outcomes research. Observational measures from a school‐based preventive intervention are used to illustrate the contributions of implementer adherence and competence. Distinguishing implementer adherence to the manual from competence in programme delivery is the next step in child mental health programme implementation research.

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Crossref · 10.5042/jcs.2011.0123

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Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. Backer TE The failure of success: Challenges of disseminating effective substance abuse prevention programs Journal of Community Psychology 2000 28 3 363 373
  2. Backer TE Finding the Balance: Program fidelity and adaptation in substance abuse prevention: A state-of-the-art review 2002 Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (DHHS/PHS) Rockville, MD
  3. Cross W A model of training and transfer of training 2009 Paper presented to the 2nd Annual Conference on the Science of Implementation and Dissemination: Building Research Capacity to Bridge the Gap from Science to Service. NIMH Bethesda, Maryland
  4. Cross W West J Wyman PA Schmeelk-Cone KH Disaggregating and measuring implementer adherence and competence 2009 Paper Presented to the 2nd Annual Conference on the Science of Implementation and Dissemination: Building research Capacity to Bridge the Gap from Science to Service Bethesda, Maryland
  5. Domitrovich CE Greenberg MT The study of implementation: current finding from effective programs for school-aged children Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation 2000 11 2 193 221

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Authors
Cross, W., & West, J.
Affiliations
University of Rochester Medicine (US)
Venue
Journal of Children's Services
Publisher
Emerald
Published
2011-03-18
Volume
6
Issue
1
Pages
18-33
ISSN
1746-6660 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2092149322
Cited by
93
References
63
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 3
FWCI
7.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Children s Services (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH068423, K23MH073615)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Policy Implementation Science
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Speech and Hearing › School Health and Nursing Education
Keywords
evidence-based programs, program implementation, child mental health, fidelity assessment, program delivery

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