Theory of planned behavior is a proven and well-validated decision-making model that has been successfully applied to washing of hands in both clinical and non-clinical environments. The theory describes intention as the fundamental determinant of behavior. In that case, an intention is influenced by subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and attitude. Theory of planned behavior is designed to understand and change human behavior thus; it can be used to foretell deliberate actions since some practices are planned intentionally. Hence, the idea is used to improve perceived behavioral control and predictive power of the theory. My rationale for selecting the approach because it is a well-validated and decision-making model that has been typically applied to hands hygiene in both clinical and non-clinical environments over the recent years. In fact, the theory identified inaccessibility of hands hygiene as the core component of performance (Fitzpatrick & McCarthy, 2010).
The theory supports my proposed solution because it provides a platform for understanding and explaining the current issues regarding hands hygiene behavior amongst the nurses and how it can be modified to reduce the number of hospitals acquired infections. Perhaps, a majority of nurses do not uphold high standards of hands hygiene thus contributing to the increase in the number of hospitals acquired infections. Hence, the best behavioral modification that can assist in addressing the issue is consequently upholding high hands hygiene. The theory can as well be used to predict and explain how healthcare providers address the issue of hands hygiene in the project. Besides, the idea can be utilized to ascertain the expected outcome of the proposed solution alongside evaluation of its essential benefits. Additionally, the theory of planned behavior can be incorporated into the project by serving as a tool for appraising the existing policy of hands hygiene and identification of the most suitable strategies for promoting compliance (Fitzpatrick & McCarthy, 2010).
- Fitzpatrick, J. J., & McCarthy, G. (2010). Theories guiding nursing research and practice: Making nursing knowledge development explicit.
