TIDier

The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist is a structured reporting tool developed to improve the transparency, reproducibility, and usability of health interventions. As an extension of the CONSORT and SPIRIT guidelines, TIDieR provides a systematic framework for detailing the components of an intervention, enabling researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to understand, replicate, and apply interventions in real-world settings.

Importance of TIDieR in Research

Incomplete intervention descriptions have long hindered the ability to reproduce findings or translate trial evidence into practice. TIDieR addresses this issue by requiring comprehensive documentation of how an intervention is delivered, by whom, in what context, and with what materials. This improves fidelity and consistency across studies, ultimately enhancing the quality of evidence used in clinical decision-making and implementation science.

The 12 TIDieR Checklist Items

The TIDieR checklist contains 12 items that guide researchers in describing all relevant aspects of an intervention:

Brief Name – Provide a concise name or label for the intervention.
Why – Describe the rationale, theory, or objective behind the intervention.
What (Materials) – Detail the physical or informational components used in the intervention (e.g., manuals, tools).
What (Procedures) – Outline the processes or steps involved in delivering the intervention.
Who Provided – Describe the expertise, background, and training of individuals delivering the intervention.
How – Indicate the mode of delivery (e.g., face-to-face, online, phone, group-based).
Where – Specify the setting or location where the intervention was implemented.
When and How Much – Include timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of the intervention sessions.
Tailoring – Explain whether and how the intervention was personalized or adapted.
Modifications – Report any changes made during the study and the reasons for those modifications.
How Well (Planned Fidelity Monitoring) – Describe how fidelity to the intervention protocol was intended to be assessed.
How Well (Actual Fidelity Monitoring) – Report actual fidelity, adherence, and any deviations from the planned delivery.

Benefits of Using TIDieR

Using the TIDieR checklist has several benefits:

Enhances Reproducibility: A fully described intervention can be replicated in future research or clinical practice.
Supports Implementation: Clear reporting aids the translation of evidence-based interventions into routine healthcare settings.
Improves Transparency: Prevents ambiguity and research waste by documenting the “what” and “how” of intervention delivery.
Facilitates Evidence Synthesis: Standardized intervention reporting supports meta-analyses and systematic reviews.

Application in Clinical Trials

TIDieR is widely applicable across study types, including randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, observational research, and implementation evaluations. By incorporating TIDieR at the protocol stage and during trial reporting, investigators increase the usability and scientific contribution of their interventions.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its utility, TIDieR adoption faces some challenges. These include limited journal space for detailed descriptions, inconsistent awareness among researchers, and difficulty applying the checklist to complex or adaptive interventions. Promoting TIDieR use through journal requirements, funder expectations, and researcher education can help overcome these barriers.

Conclusion

The TIDieR checklist plays a critical role in improving the completeness and clarity of intervention reporting. It supports replication, real-world application, and the broader goals of evidence-based practice. Researchers, peer reviewers, and journal editors are encouraged to use and promote TIDieR to strengthen the scientific foundation of intervention trials.

Bibliography

Hoffmann TC, Glasziou PP, Boutron I, et al. Better reporting of interventions: template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. BMJ. 2014;348:g1687.
Hoffmann TC, Erueti C, Glasziou PP. Poor description of non-pharmacological interventions: analysis of consecutive sample of randomised trials. BMJ. 2013;347:f3755.
Campbell M, Katikireddi SV, Hoffmann T, Armstrong R, Waters E, Craig P. TIDieR-PHP: a reporting guideline for population health and policy interventions. BMJ. 2018;361:k1079.
Glasziou P, Altman DG, Bossuyt P, et al. Reducing waste from incomplete or unusable reports of biomedical research. The Lancet. 2014;383(9913):267–276.
Moher D, Hopewell S, Schulz KF, et al. CONSORT 2010 explanation and elaboration: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials. BMJ. 2010;340:c869. TIDieR was developed as an extension to this guideline.

Adapted for educational use. Please cite relevant trial methodology sources when using this material in research or teaching.

TIDieR

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