Implementation fidelity of a standardized Dementia Care training program across multiple trainers and settings

Few staff training programs examine implementation fidelity (the extent to which the training was provided as planned). Poor fidelity affects whether trainees receive the content that was intended and achieve the related outcomes. This study examined the extent of fidelity in the Foundations of Dementia Care training program, measuring fidelity by the use of key words, trainer additions to the script, and session duration. A total of 119 sessions of this training program were implemented in 9 nursing homes and 6 residential care/assisted living communities participating in the Collaborative Studies of Long-Term Care. Results indicate that some or all key words were delivered in more than 85% of the sessions. There was significant variability in fidelity across session and across trainer-level variables. The article concludes with strategies to maintain fidelity in training programs intended for diverse settings, including identifying core components, better adhering to the script in interactive sessions, and recognizing trainer characteristics related to fidelity.