Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour to understand nurse intention to follow recommendations related to a preventive clinical practice

Abstract

The use of filter needles reduces the number of particles found in parenteral solutions after the opening of glass ampoules and has been recommended by many authors. Even so, nurses do not use filter needles unilaterally in their practice. In order to understand the psychosocial determinants of nurse intention to follow recommendations related to the use of filter needles in the preparation of parenteral medication, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a large university medical centre in the province of Quebec (Canada). We developed a questionnaire based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour and distributed it to all nurses ( n = 364) from eight care units. A total of 242 questionnaires were completed and returned (response rate of 66.5%). Attitude towards the behaviour and perceived behavioural control predicted nurse intention to use filter needles according to recommendations. Three specific beliefs related to these variables – ease of use, enjoyment and reason – explained 50.3% of the variance in nurse intention to use filter needles. The results of this study support the use of the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a theoretical basis that can help identify important avenues to inform behaviour change strategies regarding healthcare professional adoption of guidelines to improve patient safety.