Goal | NIH Description | Strategies used in HeLTI SA | Fidelity monitoring tools for HeLTI SA |
---|---|---|---|
Ensure intervention is congruent with relevant theory and practice | Operationalize treatment to optimally reflect theoretical roots and define variables relevant to the “active ingredients” of the intervention | - Health helpers encouraged to use HCS and SMARTER planning in all intervention sessions. - Behaviour change techniques incorporated into the intervention health literacy resources. - Health monitoring, feedback, and action (e.g. referral) are in line with the current practice in South Africa. | - Health helper self-reflection of HCS use is reported on REDCap and monitored by project coordinators. - Several intervention sessions are recorded and evaluated according to a pre-determined checklist. |
Ensure a similar dose within the intervention group and across phases | Ensure that intervention “dose” (measured by number, frequency, and length of contact) is adequately described and is similar for each participant and across different phases. | - Length, number, and frequency of contact sessions are outlined in the intervention protocol (Fig. 1). - Intervention duration is based on the four fixed phases outlined in the intervention protocol; the preconception phase length is dependent on participant pregnancy. - Individual session duration is dependent on participant needs and expected to be diverse. - An intervention manual per phase has been developed. - Monthly contact and level of contact are consistent across all intervention phases. | - Project coordinators monitor the frequency and number of intervention sessions via electronic activity log on REDCap. - Notes section is available at the end of the activity log to document and review the unique information about the participant or session. - The health helpers monitor the progress with SMARTER goal planning in each session. -Quarterly quality assurance reports. |
Plan for setbacks | Address possible setbacks in implementation (e.g. intervention providers dropping out). | - New health helpers are hired when necessary and are dependent on funding. - Details of the potential suitable future health helper candidates are kept on file. | - Attrition of health helpers is recorded and flagged by human resources and project coordinators. |