The Importance of Contextual Fit when Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions.

This brief explains the importance of ensuring there is a match between an intervention for children and families and the local context and proposes a set of core elements that can be used to define contextual fit and guide practice, policy, and research. Eight elements are described and include: the extent to which an intervention meets an identified need for a particular target population; the extent to which the core features of an intervention are well defined; demonstrated effectiveness of the intervention for the target population and the outcomes of interest; the practicality of the intervention; clarity regarding how implementers will acquire the skills to use an intervention as intended; the match between the intervention and the values and preferences of those who will implement the intervention, benefit from the intervention, and manage and support the intervention; the ability and willingness to allocate the resources needed for both initial adoption and sustained implementation; and the values and preferences of those making administrative decisions. Additional information is provided on the evaluation of contextual fit, policy implications, and research implications. Numerous references.