Questions You Might Want To Ask a Developer As You Explore the Possible Use of an Intervention
Questions To Ask Developers is also available in a printer-friendly (PDF) format.
Implementations
- Where has this intervention been implemented? In what settings? With what populations?
- What are the particular challenges to effective implementation? How might these challenges be overcome?
- What common mistakes have been made, and how can we avoid them?
- Can you provide contact information for 2-3 directors of implementation sites that currently are in the process of implementing the intervention?
Adaptations
- Has your intervention been adapted in any ways that might be relevant to its implementation in a setting like mine (describe your setting) or with a population like mine (describe your population)?
- Have you been able to identify whether there are any "core components" of the intervention--parts of the intervention that must be implemented and/or should not be adapted?
Staffing
- What are the staffing requirements (number and type)?
- What are the minimum staff qualifications (degree, experience)?
- What methods are used to select the best candidates (philosophy, skills)?
- Is there a recommended practitioner-to-client ratio?
- Is there a recommended supervisor-to-practitioner ratio?
Quality Assurance Mechanisms
- What are the core components that define the essence of the intervention?
- How are supervisors prepared to provide effective support for practitioners?
- What is the supervision protocol for providing effective support for practitioners?
- What practical instruments are available to assess adherence and competence of the practitioner's use of the intervention's core components?
- What tests have been done to ensure the validity and reliability of the fidelity instruments?
Training and Technical Assistance
- Is training required before a site can implement this intervention?
- Who conducts the training, and where is it conducted?
- Can staff at implementation sites be certified to conduct the training?
- Who is typically trained (practitioners, staff selection interviewers, staff trainers, staff supervisors/coaches, agency administrators)?
- What is the duration of the training (hours, days)?
- Is retraining required/available?
- What on-site assistance is provided by the developer, if any?
- How long does it usually take for a new implementation site to become a high fidelity user of the intervention?
Costs
- How much does it cost to secure the services of the developer?
- What is included in that cost?
- If the intervention costs more than my budget allows, is there a way to implement only part of the intervention?
- Do costs include salaried positions? In-kind costs? Special equipment?



