What does fidelity in program implementation refer to?

Fidelity in program implementation specifically refers to the extent to which a program is carried out as it was designed and intended. This means adhering to the established protocols, activities, and methodologies that were formulated during the planning phase. Ensuring fidelity is crucial because it affects the outcomes and effectiveness of the program; when programs are implemented as intended, they are more likely to achieve their goals and yield positive results.

In contrast, other aspects like participant involvement, program costs, and timelines, while important for the overall operation and success of a program, do not directly address fidelity. Fidelity focuses solely on how accurately the program's components are executed, which is fundamental in evaluating its impact and effectiveness. Maintaining high fidelity ensures that evaluation of the program's outcomes can be accurately attributed to the program itself, rather than variations in delivery.