What does treatment integrity refer to?

Treatment integrity refers to the degree to which a treatment or intervention is implemented as planned and according to the established protocol. This includes following the specific steps and procedures outlined in the treatment plan without making unauthorized changes. Maintaining treatment integrity is crucial because it ensures that the intervention is delivered consistently and effectively, which in turn allows for reliable measurement of the outcomes and effectiveness of the treatment. When the program is implemented as prescribed, the data collected can accurately reflect the impact of the intervention on the individual being treated.