How can an evaluator assess program fidelity?

Assessing program fidelity involves determining how closely a program is implemented according to its intended design and original plan. This means evaluating whether the specific activities, strategies, and approaches intended by the program designers were followed during implementation. Thus, the focus is on the adherence to the prescribed protocols and whether the execution aligns with the model that was conceptualized.

This evaluation is critical because if a program is not implemented as intended, the results may not accurately reflect the effectiveness of the model itself. For instance, minor adjustments or deviations in delivery methods could fundamentally alter the program's impact, making it essential to assess fidelity to ensure valid conclusions can be drawn about the program's effectiveness.

In contrast, while participant feedback can provide insights into the program's reception and perceived utility, it does not necessarily reflect adherence to the program's original design. Cost analyses focus on financial aspects rather than implementation fidelity, and evaluating final outcomes examines the results of a program without addressing how those results were achieved or whether the program was delivered as planned. These areas are important but do not directly assess fidelity in the same way that examining implementation against the original design does.