title: Assessing the strength and integrity of an intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the strength and integrity of a pilot behavioral intervention designed to assist mothers with breast cancer and their children.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-group analysis of the strength and integrity characteristics of an intervention developed for a pilot research study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Homes of study participants in an urban area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven households with a mother and father and one household with a single mother.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observer-reported checklists, audiorecorded intervention session data, and structured interview data obtained from study participants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Strength of the intervention included dimensions such as the theoretical foundation, competence of the interventionist, and specificity to the breast cancer experience in the family. Intervention integrity consisted of adherence by the interventionist and participants to the intervention plan.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The strength of the intervention was determined to be an asset. Careful planning had included a framework, a defined set of scripted sessions, a competent interventionist, and content specific to the breast cancer experience. In regard to integrity, the protocol content was delivered as scripted. Improvements in the dosage and purity dimensions were found to be needed. Homework assignments and in-session skill-building approaches with the mothers were refined.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An intervention can be examined carefully for strength and integrity with established criteria to determine improvements needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A clinical research protocol can be improved through an assessment of an intervention's strength and integrity.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. pbrandt@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Brandt
authors.forename: Sallie Davis
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Kirsch
authors.forename: Frances Marcus
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Casey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D004493:Education / Q000379:methods*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects