Evaluation of Implementation Fidelity in the Delivery of EnhanceFitness Classes in King County, Washington

Abstract

Implementation fidelity refers to the degree to which core elements of an intervention are delivered as intended by the protocols. EnhanceFitness(EF) is a group exercise program with research-proven health benefits for older adults. The purposes of this study are to:1) summarize data from EF Instructor Review forms to determine implementation fidelity in the delivery of EF classes in King County, Washington, and2) make recommendations on strategies to improve quality delivery of EF program. We analyzed 133 EF Instructor Review forms representing fidelity checks of 73 instructors. Results show EF instructors provide adequate quality in adhering to EF fidelity, yet most had difficulty with delivering strength training and stretching. No statistically significant correlation is found between monitoring interval and instructor performance. In conclusion, EF program should require additional instructor training, practice and booster sessions in strength training and stretching, and carefully plan allocation of resources for instructor reviews.