The Formative Phase of the Intervention Research Framework: Intervention Pilot, and Assessing Fidelity of Implementation

Abstract

This chapter is the final of four chapters providing detail about the Formative or Development phase of the Intervention Research Framework. This chapter describes how to incorporate findings from the Formative phase into an initial pilot intervention, and discusses the benefits of conducting a pilot of the intervention with the target groups. This chapter also introduces some research issues associated with conducting a pilot (and the full intervention) in the school setting. Obtaining consent of underage participants is discussed, and the issue of monitoring and assessing the fidelity of implementation of the research program is introduced. Information is also provided about the additional costs, staffing and timeline required when conducting a Formative phase of intervention research. Finally details about the pilot of the SHAHRP intervention is presented along with methods used by the SHAHRP researchers to engender enthusiasm in staff from schools involved in the pilot and full SHAHRP research studies.

Objectives: By the end of this chapter readers will be able to:

• Identify methods for incorporating findings from the Formative phase into initial pilot interventions

• Identify the benefits of conducting a pilot of the intervention with target groups

• Describe methods of collecting pilot data to feedback into final intervention design

• Identify processes for trialling and recording fidelity of implementation

• Identify how a pilot of the program contributes to understanding about the implementation setting to inform future dissemination activity

• Understand how the Formative phase impacts on cost, staffing and timeline