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Table 3 Selection* of the most relevant techniques and their determinant with this overview

From: A systematic review of hand hygiene improvement strategies: a behavioural approach

Determinant

Behaviour change technique

Description of the activity in studies

Knowledge

Provide general information

Educational sessions or educational materials

Increase memory or understanding of information

Group discussion, answering questions, clarification

Awareness

Risk communication

Information about risks of non adherence or inadequate hand hygiene (infection rates, costs)

Delayed feedback of behaviour

Overview of recorded hand hygiene behaviour

Direct feedback of behaviour

Using a system to make professionals aware of their hand hygiene behaviour soon after planned execution

Feedback of clinical outcomes

Overview of nosocomial infections

Social influence

Provide information about peer behaviour

Information about peers’ opinions of correct hand hygiene

Provide opportunities for social comparison

Group sessions with peers in which discussion and social comparison of hand hygiene practices can occur

Mobilise social norm:

Exposing the professional to the social norm of important others (not peers) such as opinion leaders

Attitude

Persuasive communication

Positive consequences of proper hand hygiene

Reinforcement of behavioural progress

Praise, encouragement, or material rewards

Self-efficacy

Modeling

Use of a role model. Demonstration of proper hand hygiene behaviour in group, class, or team

Verbal persuasion

Messages designed to strengthen control beliefs about the way of performing correct hand hygiene

Guided practice

Teaching skills and providing feedback. Specific instruction for correct hand hygiene behaviour

Plan coping responses

Identification and coping with potential barriers

Set graded tasks, goal setting:

Desired hand hygiene behaviour is achieved with a stepwise model

Intention

General intention information

Explanation of the goals and targets concerning hand hygiene

Agree to behavioural contract

Contract or commitment with formulated goals of hand hygiene behaviour

Action control

Use of cues

Reminders

Maintenance

Following behavioural change

Not addressed

Facilitation of behaviour

Provide materials to facilitate behaviour

Supportive materials are provided for the healthcare workers

 

Continuous professional support

Involves service provided by infection control team or working group, and/or an additional nurse who attends the implementation

  1. * Only terms and definitions for techniques identified in the studies on promoting hand hygiene in healthcare workers are presented.