Factors Influencing Nurses’ Intentions to Protect Patient Privacy: A Survey-Based Study Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Background and Purpose:Patient privacy and confidentiality are fundamental ethical principles in healthcare. Protecting patient privacy, which is accepted as a patient’s right, is one of the responsibilities of nurses. Few studies on patient privacy among nurses have used social cognitive approaches. The purpose of this study is to examine nurses’ intentions to protect patient privacy using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).Methods:This is a cross-sectional and correlational design study. The study sample consisted of 202 nurses working in the emergency departments, operating rooms, inpatient wards, and intensive care units of the hospitals. Research data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire that included TPB components on patient privacy. The proposed research model was tested using structural equation modeling.Results:Attitude (β= .238,p< .05), subjective norm (β= .295,p< .05), and moral norm (β= .337,p< .05) toward patient privacy are positive predictors of intention. The moral norm is the most effective component of intention. Perceived behavioral control is not a significant predictor of intention (β= .049,p> .05).Implications for Practice:Norms that create a sense of moral obligation in nurses are a significant determinant in increasing the intention to protect patient privacy. Interventions that improve moral norms, attitudes, and subjective norms will increase the intention to protect privacy. Nurse managers should provide nurses with adequate skills, resources, and an appropriate work environment to ensure perceived behavioral control regarding patient privacy.