A Method for Assessing Fidelity of Delivery of Telephone Behavioral Support for Smoking Cessation

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Dec 2 , 2013, No Pagination Specified.
Lorencatto, Fabiana; West, Robert

This study aimed to extend this method to evaluate fidelity of telephone-delivered behavioral support. A treatment manual and transcripts of 75 audio-recorded behavioral support sessions were obtained from the United Kingdom’s national Quitline service and coded into component behavior change techniques (BCTs) using a taxonomy of 45 smoking cessation BCTs. Significantly fewer BCTs were used than were reported as being used, The content of telephone-delivered behavioral support can be reliably coded in terms of BCTs. This can be used to assess fidelity to treatment manuals and to in turn identify training needs. The observed low fidelity underlines the need to establish routine procedures for monitoring delivery of behavioral support.

http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/2013-42382-001/