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. 2020 May;48(4):1163-1177.
doi: 10.1002/jcop.22279. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

Iterative Decision-making for Evaluation of Adaptations (IDEA): A decision tree for balancing adaptation, fidelity, and intervention impact

Christopher J Miller  1 , Shannon Wiltsey-Stirman  2 , Ana A Baumann  3
Affiliations

Iterative Decision-making for Evaluation of Adaptations (IDEA): A decision tree for balancing adaptation, fidelity, and intervention impact

Christopher J Miller et al. J Community Psychol. 2020 May.

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are frequently adapted to maximize outcomes while maintaining fidelity to core EBP elements. Many step-by-step frameworks for adapting EBPs have been developed, but these models may not account for common complexities in the adaptation process. In this paper, we introduce the Iterative Decision-making for Evaluation of Adaptations (IDEA), a tool to guide adaptations that addresses these issues.

Framework design and use: Adapting EBPs requires attending to key contingencies incorporated into the IDEA, including: the need for adaptations; fidelity to core EBP elements; the timeframe in which to make adaptations; the potential to collect pilot data; key clinical and implementation outcomes; and stakeholder viewpoints. We use two examples to illustrate application of the IDEA.

Conclusions: The IDEA is a practical tool to guide EBP adaptation that incorporates important decision points and the dynamism of ongoing adaptation. Its use may help implementation scientists, clinicians, and administrators maximize EBP impact.

Keywords: adaptation; culture; evidence-based healthcare; evidence-based practice; fidelity; implementation; modification.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement: all authors indicate that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
The Iterative Decision-making for Evaluation of Adaptations (IDEA)
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
2×2 grid demonstrating interplay between adaptation and fidelity
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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