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Fidelity Checklist: Observer-Report

This document is an observer-report fidelity monitoring checklist designed for a third-party observer to systematically record whether an evidence-based program was delivered as intended, including adherence to core components, facilitator behaviors, pacing, and participant engagement. Its purpose is to support objective fidelity assessment during implementation so teams can identify strengths and areas for improvement and ensure high-quality delivery.

Fidelity Checklist: Self-Report

This document is a self-report fidelity monitoring checklist that facilitators of an evidence-based program can complete after sessions to assess how closely the program was delivered as intended, covering areas such as adherence to core components, dosage/exposure, quality of delivery, and participant engagement. It is intended for use when a program does not provide its own fidelity tool and helps teams monitor and improve implementation quality over time.

Project Management: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed (RACI) Diagram

Any small and large project involves multiple individuals and stakeholders. It is extremely important in managing tasks across the project life cycle to define which individuals/stakeholders are Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed (RACI). A RACI Diagram or RACI Matrix can assist program managers in identifying who needs to be involved and how they are involved. You can view this video for an overview of RACI Diagrams.

Program Readiness: Preparing for Program Launch

Create an account with The Pennsylvania State University Prevention Learning Portal and earn completion certificates for several prevention topics. Identifying and putting a new program in place can be overwhelming. This tutorial supports exploration and decision-making around key implementation components that increase the likelihood of program success and provides tools and information to support program launch and early sustainability planning.

Bridging the Gap: How Implementation Science Connects the Dots

Create an account with The Pennsylvania State University Prevention Learning Portal and earn completion certificates for several prevention topics. The purpose of this introductory course is to explain the concept of Implementation Science and to show how implementation science bridges the gap between prevention science and practice, informing and improving program quality, delivery, and impact. This course will demonstrate the importance of the relationship between what we know (science) and what we do (practice). they are delivered effectively, consistently, and in ways that meet the needs of communities. This online training explains how implementation science bridges the gap between research and practice by supporting the adoption, quality delivery, and long-term sustainability of evidence-based prevention strategies.

Guidebook for Fidelity and Adaptation of Evidence-Based Programs

This guidebook provides practical guidance on implementing evidence-based programs (EBPs) with fidelity while making thoughtful, planned adaptations to fit local contexts without undermining core components. It explains why maintaining fidelity to the original program design matters for achieving expected outcomes and offers strategies for balancing strict adherence with necessary, documented adjustments. The resource is intended to help implementation teams select, adapt, and monitor EBPs in ways that preserve effectiveness and strengthen community relevance.

What is Fidelity?

This brief resource explains implementation fidelity as delivering an evidence-based program as intended, emphasizing that fidelity is critical for achieving expected outcomes and accurately interpreting results. It outlines key fidelity components—such as adherence, dosage, and quality of delivery—and notes that weak fidelity can reduce effectiveness or undermine impact. The document also highlights the importance of monitoring fidelity and making thoughtful, well-documented adaptations that preserve a program’s core elements.

Contact

Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development
University of Colorado Boulder
Institute of Behavioral Science
UCB 483, Boulder, CO 80309

Email: blueprints@colorado.edu

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Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development is currently funded by the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy and historically has received funding from Arnold Ventures, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.