Adapting implementation support from in-person to virtual: An experimental evaluation of the efficacy and satisfaction of a virtual coaching program used during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Intervention fidelity is crucial in ensuring efficient and quality support for students in need. Several coaching strategies have evidenced positive impacts on intervention fidelity and virtual approaches of coaching have been developing rapidly, especially during the pandemic. However, current literature is still limited in examining the effects of virtual coaching. Collaborating with community partners, this applied community-driven study adapted an evidence-based set of in-person coaching materials and procedures coaching into a virtual format. A multiple baseline design and surveys were used to evaluate the efficacy of this virtual coaching program in supporting interventionists with implementing an online small-group reading intervention. Both visual analysis and nonparametric analysis demonstrated considerable improvement of interventionists' implementation fidelity (i.e., adherence and quality). Additionally, surveys from interventionists indicated high feasibility of the reading intervention and positive perceptions toward the coaches and the coaching process. Practical implications of virtual coaching and future directions of related research studies are discussed at the end. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)