Research based on a previously established theory can present new findings in a structure that is shared between different spheres of interest. The versatility of some models allows them to be used for a variety of topics, For instance, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) introduced as a version of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) is an approach that attempts to explain people’s behavioral patterns and underlying reasons for most decisions (Polit & Beck, 2017). TPB can be used in research of different disciplines such as business and politics. In nursing and healthcare studies, this theory can be implemented to analyze patients, communities, and nurses, as its approach to people’s behavior is virtually universal (Rich, Brandes, Mullan, & Hagger, 2015). The article “Using a Theory of Planned Behaviour Framework to Explore Hand Hygiene Beliefs at the ‘5 Critical Moments’ among Australian Hospital-Based Nurses” by White et al. (2015) is an example of using the TPB for nursing research.
Article Summary
In the study, the authors explore the topic of hand hygiene and its improvement among healthcare workers. According to White et al. (2015), it is an issue that is crucial to patients’ outcomes because proper sanitation can significantly lower the rate of infections in hospitals. The authors guide their research using the TPB framework and its beliefs connected to nurses’ attitudes such as support, control, and rationalizing (Ajzen, 2015). Qualitative data used in this article included discussions with nurses about hand hygiene and related habits in the workplace. The analysis of the gathered information revealed that hand-washing could be encouraged by nurses for a variety of reasons. They may include the protection of patients and oneself and attempt to control the spreading of an infection (White et al., 2015). Nurses may engage in hygiene practices less often due to the lack of time and poor skin condition after the procedure.
The study also focused on the normative beliefs of the theory. For example, nurses were asked about supportive and unsupportive comments from their colleagues about the procedures of hand hygiene. Nurses, patients, family members, and supervisors were outlined as the most supportive of such practices. However, some patients negatively interpreted the process of hand-washing which discouraged nurses from following hand hygiene guidelines. Some control beliefs were discussed in the article as well. The authors found that barriers to adhering to the directions included the lack of time and education, skin conditions, the absence of available supplies or sinks, emergency situations, and nurses’ forgetfulness (White et al., 2015). Thus, the use of the TPB allowed researchers to locate and examine the underlying reasons for nurses’ attitudes towards hand hygiene which helped them create a foundation for developing practical solutions to encourage proper sanitary practices.
The Use of the Chosen Theory
In the article, the theory plays an essential role as it is the primary basis of the researchers’ discussion points. Thus, it is used as a guide for the study and its participants. The analysis of nurses’ opinions according to the TPB’s main ideas resulted in a detailed description of all patterns that the participants exhibited while speaking and thinking about hand washing. As a result, the scholars were able to pinpoint which issues had to be addressed to support a favorable view of hygiene. The use of TPB is versatile because of its well thought-out structure. It remains relevant in many areas of research, including nursing.
References
Ajzen, I. (2015). The theory of planned behaviour is alive and well, and not ready to retire: A commentary on Sniehotta, Presseau, and Araújo-Soares. Health Psychology Review, 9(2), 131-137.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Rich, A., Brandes, K., Mullan, B., & Hagger, M. S. (2015). Theory of planned behavior and adherence in chronic illness: A meta-analysis. Journal of behavioral Medicine, 38(4), 673-688.
White, K. M., Jimmieson, N. L., Obst, P. L., Graves, N., Barnett, A., Cockshaw, W.,… Paterson, E. (2015). Using a theory of planned behaviour framework to explore hand hygiene beliefs at the ‘5 critical moments’ among Australian hospital-based nurses.BMC Health Services Research, 15, 59. Web.