The fidelity of implementation of an Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) program for children with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) in Quebec’s CRDITED
This study discusses the fidelity of implementation of an Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) program for children less than six years old with a Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) treated in Quebec’s Centre de Réadaptation en Déficience Intellectuelle et en Troubles Envahissants du Développement (CRDITED). To do so, a homemade questionnaire has been adapted to the specific context of IBI program and has been coupled with the questionnaire on implementation fidelity developed by Joly (2008) and interviews. The sample includes 96 professionals (therapists, supervisors and coordinators) attached to the IBI program in six CRDITED Centers. Results show a high level of fidelity in spite of a wide variability in the practices. Indeed, significant differences are observed between the Centers on the adherence, the participation by clients and the overall implementation fidelity index. With regards to factors associated with implementation fidelity, some shortcomings are reported in the specific documentation of the IBI program and in the therapists training. The three most facilitating factors of the implementation of the IBI program reported are the training in PDD, the supervision and the collaboration with partners. The three most cited barriers to the implementation of the IBI program are the staff turnover, the lack of training and the absence of suitable premises. Results are discussed in light of the few published research works on implementation of similar programs. Some recommendations are made to promote fidelity and guide future researches.