Factors Of Fidelity Research Articles

A study of brand fidelity: Its contribution and impact on the Saudi market

The paradigm shift caused by disruption of traditional business models and innovation is among some factors which have propelled marketers forward-thinking in emphasizing brand fidelity. It is a novel idea and an innovative approach to understanding the impact of consumers while they demonstrate love and commitment through engagement, subconsciously or otherwise, with respect to cognition and behavior. The current study tested the components/factors of brand fidelity among Saudi consumers. The primary data for the study were collected based on the survey instrument among Saudi consumers. Overall, 446 responses were used to analyze the results. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) coupled with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using IBM SPSS and AMOS were used to analyze the data. All the factors of brand fidelity, namely “accommodation/price”, “accommodation/performance”, “cognitive interdependence”, and “derogation of alternatives”, hold valid in the Saudi context with exploratory factor analysis with a factor loading of each factor above the threshold value of 0.50, and with confirmatory factor analysis with a threshold value of more than or equal to 0.60 for all the factor loadings. The result thus obtained suggests that the brand fidelity scale is valid in the Saudi context. Saudi consumers were found to be highly loyal to their favorite brands. The findings of the study will provide inputs to the companies operating in the Saudi market for their brand-related strategy formulation. Moreover, the paper indicates undermining the power of brand fidelity in improving the bottom line through experience management. AcknowledgmentThis paper was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, under the Specialized Research Grant program with Grant No. 2020/02/17342.

Implementation fidelity of the Systems for Person-Centered Elder Care (SPEC): a process evaluation study

BackgroundThe Systems for Person-Centered Elder Care (SPEC), a complex intervention, was conducted to examine its effectiveness as a technology-enhanced, multidisciplinary, and integrated care model for frail older persons among ten nursing homes (NHs) in South Korea where formal long-term care has recently been introduced. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation fidelity of the SPEC intervention and to identify moderating factors that influence the implementation fidelity.MethodsThis study was a process evaluation based on an evidence-based framework for implementation fidelity using a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data from consultant logbooks, NH documentations, an information and communications technology (ICT) system, and a standardized questionnaire were collected from April 2015 to December 2016 and analyzed by calculating the descriptive statistics. Semi-structured focus group interviews were held with multidisciplinary teams from the participating NHs. Qualitative data from a semi-structured questionnaire and the focus group interviews were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe SPEC program demonstrated good implementation fidelity, and adherence to the SPEC program was strong in all aspects, such as content, coverage, frequency, and duration. Of the participating on-site coordinators, 60% reported that the SPEC model positively impacted needs assessment and the reporting system for resident care. The important facilitating factors were tailored facilitating strategies, assurance of the quality of delivery, and recruitment strategies.ConclusionThe effectiveness of the SPEC program was driven by good implementation fidelity. The key factors of good implementation fidelity were tailored delivery of evidence-based interventions over process evaluation work, facilitating strategies, and ICT support. Larger implementation studies with a more user-friendly ICT system are recommended.Trial registrationISRCTN registry, ISRCTN11972147. Registered on 16 March 2015

Implementation fidelity of school oral health programs at a District in South Africa.

It is important that components contributing to success of a program are well understood to ensure better outcomes and strengthen interventions. Hence the purpose of the study was to assess the level of fidelity achieved by school oral health programs in our study district and to determine elements of fidelity that predict the risk of dental decay. A cross-sectional study design was utilised. A multistage sampling technique was employed to randomly select 10 schools, two grades in each school were selected and all pupils in the selected grades were included in an oral health examination. Ten oral hygienists were observed and interviewed as they carried out the activities of the program and records were reviewed. Data collection tools included an oral health examination form, and an implementation fidelity checklist. The average level of fidelity obtained was 40% and it was shown to be inversely correlated with levels of decay, as decay was predicted to decrease with increasing levels of fidelity. The fidelity elements that were found to directly predict the outcome of decay included duration (IRR, 0.49; p = 0.02) coverage (IRR, 0.54; p = 008), content (IRR, 1.36; p = 0.03) and age (IRR, 2.14; p = 0.00). Moderating factors of fidelity which indirectly influenced the outcome of decay included facilitation strategy, duration and age. These were predicted to reduce the risk of decay by 92%, 83% and 48% respectively. The school oral health programs exhibited high levels of pupil coverage, however, the content of the programs offered was low (28%). Coverage was high in the context of lack of dental assistance and time. Multi-sectoral participation is therefore necessary to re-organise the program for improving implementation fidelity and bringing about quality implementation.

A mixed methods approach to exploring the moderating factors of implementation fidelity of the integrated chronic disease management model in South Africa

BackgroundChronic care models like the Integrated Chronic Disease Management (ICDM) model strive to improve the efficiency and quality of care for patients with chronic diseases. However, there is a dearth of studies assessing the moderating factors of fidelity during the implementation of the ICDM model. The aim of this study is to assess moderating factors of implementation fidelity of the ICDM model.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional mixed method study conducted in two health districts in South Africa. The process evaluation and implementation fidelity frameworks were used to guide the assessment of moderating factors influencing implementation fidelity of the ICDM model. We interviewed 30 purposively selected healthcare workers from four facilities (15 from each of the two facilities with lower and higher levels of implementation fidelity of the ICDM model). Data on facility characteristics were collected by observation and interviews. Linear regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed thematically.ResultsThe median age of participants was 36.5 (IQR: 30.8–45.5) years, and they had been in their roles for a median of 4.0 (IQR: 1.0–7.3) years. The moderating factors of implementation fidelity of the ICDM model were the existence of facilitation strategies (training and clinical mentorship); intervention complexity (healthcare worker, time and space integration); and participant responsiveness (observing operational efficiencies, compliance of patients and staff attitudes). One feature of the ICDM model that seemingly compromised fidelity was the inclusion of tuberculosis patients in the same stream (waiting areas, consultation rooms) as other patients with non-communicable diseases and those with HIV/AIDS with no clear infection control guidelines. Participants also suggested that poor adherence to any one component of the ICDM model affected the implementation of the other components. Contextual factors that affected fidelity included supply chain management, infrastructure, adequate staff, and balanced patient caseloads.ConclusionThere are multiple (context, participant responsiveness, intervention complexity and facilitation strategies) interrelated moderating factors influencing implementation fidelity of the ICDM model. Augmenting facilitation strategies (training and clinical mentorship) could further improve the degree of fidelity during the implementation of the ICDM model.

Implementation fidelity in a complex intervention promoting psychosocial well-being following stroke: an explanatory sequential mixed methods study

BackgroundEvaluation of complex interventions should include a process evaluation to give evaluators, researchers, and policy makers greater confidence in the outcomes reported from RCTs. Implementation fidelity can be part of a process evaluation and refers to the degree to which an intervention is delivered according to protocol. The aim of this implementation fidelity study was to evaluate to what extent a dialogue-based psychosocial intervention was delivered according to protocol. A modified conceptual framework for implementation fidelity was used to guide the analysis.MethodsThis study has an explanatory, sequential two-phase mixed methods design. Quantitative process data were collected longitudinally along with data collection in the RCT. Qualitative process data were collected after the last data collection point of the RCT. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to describe the sample, the intervention trajectories, and the adherence measures. A scoring system to clarify quantitative measurement of the levels of implementation was constructed. The qualitative data sources were analyzed separately with a theory-driven content analysis using categories of adherence and potential moderating factors identified in the conceptual framework of implementation fidelity. The quantitative adherence results were extended with the results from the qualitative analysis to assess which potential moderators may have influenced implementation fidelity and in what way.ResultsThe results show that the core components of the intervention were delivered although the intervention trajectories were individualized. Based on the composite score of adherence, results show that 80.1% of the interventions in the RCT were implemented with high fidelity. Although it is challenging to assess the importance of each of the moderating factors in relation to the other factors and to their influence on the adherence measures, participant responsiveness, comprehensiveness of policy description, context, and recruitment appeared to be the most prominent moderating factors of implementation fidelity in this study.ConclusionsThis evaluation of implementation fidelity and the discussion of what constitutes high fidelity implementation of this intervention are crucial in understanding the factors influencing the trial outcome. The study also highlights important methodological considerations for researchers planning process evaluations and studies of implementation fidelity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02338869; registered 10/04/2014.

Evaluating the Relationships Among Teacher Characteristics, Implementation Factors, and Student Outcomes of Children Participating in an Experiential School-Based Nutrition Program

The purpose of this study was to examine whether teacher characteristics and implementation factors influenced the effectiveness of a multicomponent nutrition education program to improve nutrition-related knowledge and behavior among fourth-grade children. Schools implemented the Shaping Healthy Choices Program (SHCP), a multicomponent nutrition intervention, during 2013-2014. Fourth-grade teachers ( n = 8) at two schools facilitated nutrition education using an experiential, garden-enhanced nutrition curriculum among students ( n = 173) in their classrooms. Teacher characteristics of teaching experience, self-efficacy in teaching nutrition, and knowledge about nutrition were collected at baseline. Implementation factors of fidelity and completion were measured using self-reports and qualitative observations. Student outcomes included body mass index percentile-for-age, nutrition knowledge, critical thinking skills, and identification of vegetables and were measured pre/post. Relationships were analyzed using multivariate mixed-model regression with classroom as a random effect. Pre/post changes were analyzed using t tests. Students improved body mass index percentile-for-age (−1.99 ± 7.95) and increased nutrition knowledge (2.28 ± 3.40), critical thinking skills (1.98 ± 3.28), and the ability to identify vegetables (0.87 ± 1.09). Teachers’ characteristics of teaching experience, experience teaching nutrition, attendance in a college nutrition course, self-efficacy, and nutrition knowledge were significantly related to fidelity and completeness of program implementation. This study demonstrated implementation of SHCP by teachers can positively influence student outcomes, though program implementation depends on teacher characteristics.

“Learning together, growing with family”: The implementation and evaluation of a family support programme

The “Learning together, growing with family” programme is targeted to at-risk parents and children from 6 to 11 years old, with a preventive focus on promoting positive parent-child relationships. In this study, we examined the quality of the programme implementation and its influence on the programme results in a sample of 425 parents and 138 facilitators drawn from the first trial. Mixed methods were used, consisting of: parental self-reports on parenting dimensions, professionals’ records on parental attendance and appraisals on six topics of the implementation process, and focus group discussions in which facilitators reported on the initial steps of the implementation. Results showed a high quality of implementation with respect to the group facilitator and the programme organization factors, followed by the coordination with services and the support facilities offered to participants and, finally, by the factors of fidelity and prior organization steps. Results of the focus groups confirmed that the prior steps were challenging and offered the more effective strategies. Better quality in the implementation factors predicted better parenting styles and parental competencies after the programme, as well as a higher attendance rate. In sum, this study demonstrates the importance of good implementation in at-risk contexts and provides some clues as to the key elements that moderate programme effectiveness.

Teacher Characteristics Influence Implementation of a Multi‐Component, School‐Based Nutrition Intervention in Fourth‐Grade Classrooms

School‐based nutrition interventions are a promising approach to improve children's diets and prevent obesity. Few studies have investigated whether outcomes of these interventions are influenced by teacher characteristics or quality of implementation. This study examines whether teacher characteristics and implementation influenced the effectiveness of a multi‐component nutrition education program to improve dietary behaviors. Schools implemented a multi‐component nutrition education intervention during 2013–2014. Teachers (n=8) facilitated nutrition education using an experiential, garden‐enhanced nutrition curriculum among students in their classrooms (n=173) in two schools. Teacher characteristics of teaching experience, self‐efficacy in teaching nutrition, and knowledge about nutrition were collected at baseline. Implementation factors of fidelity and completion were evaluated using self‐reports and qualitative observations. Student outcomes included body mass index (BMI) percentile‐for‐age, nutrition knowledge, critical thinking skills, and identification of vegetables and were measured pre/post. Relationships were analyzed using multivariate mixed model regression with classroom as a random effect. Pre/post changes were analyzed using t‐tests. Students improved BMI percentile‐for‐age (−1.99 ±7.95), and increased nutrition knowledge (2.28±3.40), critical thinking skills (1.98±3.28), and the ability to identify vegetables (0.87±1.09). Teachers’ characteristics of teaching experience, experience teaching nutrition, attendance in college nutrition course, self‐efficacy, and nutrition knowledge were significantly related to fidelity and completeness of program implementation. This study demonstrated implementation of SHCP by teachers can positively influence student outcomes, though program implementation depends upon teacher characteristics. It may be critical to identify effective professional development models to achieve high quality implementation of nutrition programs in school‐based settings.Support or Funding InformationFunding was provided by UCANR competitive grant #11‐1018, USDA 2011‐38420‐20082, and USDA NIFA Hatch project 221082.

Impact of sustained professional development in STEM on outcome measures in a diverse urban district

ABSTRACTSustained professional development can support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) reform. The authors describe a 3-year study of sustained professional development for 3 diverse urban schools across the salient factors of fidelity of implementation of project-based learning, development of professional learning communities, and student achievement. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The students who experienced the greatest fidelity of implementation exhibited the greatest gains (d = 1.41–2.03) on standardized test scores, while those with the lowest fidelity of implementation exhibited negative gains (d = –0.16 to –0.08). Qualitative data indicated teachers perceived there were multiple benefits from the implementation of project-based learning.

The Virtual Trillium Trail and the empirical effects of Freedom and Fidelity on discovery-based learning

The Virtual Trillium Trail is a new kind of desktop virtual reality application that crosses over into the area of geospatial, educational simulations. Visual fidelity significantly impacts intrinsic learning, activity in situ, and knowledge gained, independent of other factors. The main empirical contribution of this report is on the impact of the user interface design parameters of graphical fidelity and navigational freedom on learning outcomes. A planned orthogonal contrast, Two-way ANOVA with the factors of Visual Fidelity and Navigational Freedom—both scaled, and set to high and low levels—shows significant impacts on the variables of Salient Events, a proxy for discovery-based learning, and Knowledge Gained, as measured between a pre-test and a post-test. Thus, there is strong empirical evidence to support the use of desktop virtual environments, built with high-fidelity, photo-realistic, and free navigational game engine technology, as educational simulations for informal education. The high-level Visual Fidelity combined with the high-level Navigational Freedom condition showed a mean learning gain of 37.44% and is significantly superior to the low-level Visual Fidelity, low-level Navigational Freedom condition, ceteris paribus.

The Emotional Impact of Surface and Prototyping Properties in Product Design

The emotional experience of products can have enormous impact on the overall experience: happy users are more accepting and open-minded. Being able to improve users' moods through product interaction has clear benefits and is currently the focus of designers all over the world. The purpose of this study is to help establish generalizable and useful relationship(s) between design parameters specific to the sense of touch and the emotional response to tactile experiences. Participants (N=16) explored blocks of varying roughness, hardness, fidelity (a real or virtual object), and affordance (whether or not the object lends itself to being tactually explored). In terms of surface properties, increases in texture roughness elicits more negative emotional responses (p≤0.013) while changes in hardness showed no effect. In terms of prototyping factors of fidelity and affordance, surprisingly a decrease in stimuli fidelity elicited more favourable emotional responses (p≤0.052) and lower affordance conditions generated faster response times (p≤0.032). In addition, males gave emotional responses in less time than females (p≤0.03). These results are discussed in terms of cognitive processing as well as product prototyping, packaging and displaying.

The influence of prototype fidelity and aesthetics of design in usability tests: Effects on user behaviour, subjective evaluation and emotion

An empirical study examined the impact of prototype fidelity on user behaviour, subjective user evaluation and emotion. The independent factors of prototype fidelity (paper prototype, computer prototype, fully operational appliance) and aesthetics of design (high vs. moderate) were varied in a between-subjects design. The 60 participants of the experiment were asked to complete two typical tasks of mobile phone usage: sending a text message and suppressing a phone number. Both performance data and a number of subjective measures were recorded. The results suggested that task completion time may be overestimated when a computer prototype is being used. Furthermore, users appeared to compensate for deficiencies in aesthetic design by overrating the aesthetic qualities of reduced fidelity prototypes. Finally, user emotions were more positively affected by the operation of the more attractive mobile phone than by the less appealing one.

High-Fidelity or Low-Fidelity, Paper or Computer? Choosing Attributes when Testing Web Prototypes

Interface designs are currently tested in a mixture of fidelities and media. So far, there is insufficient research to indicate what level of fidelity and media will produce the best feedback from users. This experiment compared user testing with low- and high-fidelity prototypes in both computer and paper media. Task-based user tests of sketched (low-fidelity) and HTML (high-fidelity) website prototypes were conducted in each medium, separating the testing medium from other factors of prototype fidelity. We found that low- and high-fidelity prototypes are equally good at uncovering usability issues. Usability testing results were also found to be independent of medium, despite differences in interaction style. Designers should choose whichever medium and level of fidelity suit their practical needs and design goals, as discussed in this paper.