The Effects of Social Influence on Nurses' Hand Hygiene Behaviors. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piras, Susan E.; Minnick, Ann; Lauderdale, Jana; Dietrich, Mary S.; Vogus, Timothy J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing administration. Volume 48:issue 4(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Nursing services -- Administration -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-0443

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the associations of nurses' hand hygiene (HH) attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control with observed and self-reported HH behavior. BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is an essential strategy to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Despite tremendous efforts, nurses' HH adherence rates remain suboptimal. METHODS: This quantitative descriptive study of ICU nurses in the southeastern United States was guided by the theory of planned behavior. The self-administered Patient Safety Opinion Survey and iScrub application, which facilitates observation, comprised the data set. RESULTS: Nurses' observed HH median was 55%; tendency to self-report was a much higher 90%. Subjective norm and perceived control scores were associated with observed and self-reported HH ( P < .05) but not attitude scores or reports of intention. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses' subjective norm and perceived control are associated with observed and self-reported HH performance. Healthcare workers overestimate their HH performance. Findings suggest future research to explore manipulators of these variables to change nurses' HH behavior.