Evaluation in everyday occupational therapy practice: should we be thinking about treatment fidelity?

Evaluation is a core component of the occupational therapy process. To draw meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness of occupational therapy practice, it is essential that therapists consider not only what outcomes are achieved, but also reflect on how interventions are delivered. We suggest that incorporating the concept of ‘treatment fidelity’ into clinical practice offers therapists a means of differentiating between interventions and demonstrating clearer links between occupational therapy practice and successful client outcomes. In so doing, practitioners can highlight more explicitly the unique contribution of occupational therapy interventions.