Behavior Change Domains Research Articles

Using implementation science to promote the use of the fascia iliaca blocks in hip fracture care.

There is variable and suboptimal use of fascia iliaca compartment nerve blocks (FICBs) in hip fracture care. Our objective was to use an evidence-based and theory-informed implementation science approach to analyze barriers and facilitators to timely administration of FICB and select evidence-based interventions to enhance uptake. We conducted a qualitative study at a single centre using semistructured interviews and site observations. We interviewed 35 stakeholders including health care providers, managers, patients, and caregivers. We mapped barriers and facilitators to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We compared the rate and timeliness of FICB administration before and after evidence-based implementation strategies were applied. The study identified 18 barriers and 11 facilitators within seven themes of influences of FICB use: interpersonal relationships between health care professionals; clinician knowledge and skills related to FICB; roles, responsibilities, and processes for delivering FICB; perceptions on using FICB for pain; patient and caregiver perceptions on using FICB for pain; communication of hip fracture care between departments; and resources for delivering FICBs. We mapped the behaviour change domains to eight implementation strategies: restructure the environment, create and distribute educational materials, prepare patients to be active participants, perform audits and give feedback, use local opinion leaders, use champions, train staff on FICB procedures, and mandate change. We observed an increase in the rates of FICBs administered (48% vs 65%) and a decrease in the median time to administration (1.63 vs 0.81days). Our study explains why FICBs are underused and shows that the TDF and CFIR provide a framework to identify barriers and facilitators to FICB implementation. The mapped implementation strategies can guide institutions to improve use of FICB in hip fracture care.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Use of Personal Protective Equipment in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review.

To review existing literature evaluating barriers and facilitators to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by health care workers in long-term care (LTC). Scoping review. Health care workers in LTC settings. Several online databases were searched and a gray literature search was conducted. Study inclusion criteria were (1) conducted in nursing homes or LTC settings, (2) focused on LTC health care workers as the study population, and (3) identified barriers and/or facilitators to PPE use. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which assesses barriers to implementation across 14 behavioral change domains, was used to extract and organize data about barriers and facilitators to appropriate use of PPE from the included studies. A total of 5216 references were screened for eligibility and 10 studies were included in this review. Eight of the 10 studies were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several barriers and facilitators to PPE use were identified. The most common TDF domain identified was environmental context and resources, which was observed in 9 of the 10 studies. Common barriers to PPE use included supply issues (n= 7 studies), the cost of acquisition (n= 3 studies), unclear guidelines on appropriate use of PPE (n= 2 studies), difficulty providing care (n= 2 studies), and anxiety about frightening patients (n= 2 studies). Having PPE readily available facilitated the use of PPE (n= 2 studies). Further research is necessary to identify barriers and facilitators more extensively across behavior change domains to develop effective strategies to improve PPE use and prevent infection transmission within LTC.

MHealth Interventions to Reduce Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Behavior in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BackgroundChildren and adolescents increasingly do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. Hence, insufficient PA (IPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among children and adolescents are relevant behavior change domains for using individualized mobile health (mHealth) interventions.ObjectiveThis review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on IPA and SB, with a special focus on the age and level of individualization.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials published between January 2000 and March 2021. mHealth interventions for primary prevention in children and adolescents addressing behavior change related to IPA and SB were included. Included studies were compared for content characteristics and methodological quality and summarized narratively. In addition, a meta-analysis with a subsequent exploratory meta-regression examining the moderating effects of age and individualization on overall effectiveness was performed.ResultsOn the basis of the inclusion criteria, 1.3% (11/828) of the preliminary identified studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 1.2% (10/828) were included in the meta-analysis. Trials included a total of 1515 participants (mean age (11.69, SD 0.788 years; 65% male and 35% female) self-reported (3/11, 27%) or device-measured (8/11, 73%) health data on the duration of SB and IPA for an average of 9.3 (SD 5.6) weeks. Studies with high levels of individualization significantly decreased insufficient PA levels (Cohen d=0.33; 95% CI 0.08-0.58; Z=2.55; P=.01), whereas those with low levels of individualization (Cohen d=−0.06; 95% CI −0.32 to 0.20; Z=0.48; P=.63) or targeting SB (Cohen d=−0.11; 95% CI −0.01 to 0.23; Z=1.73; P=.08) indicated no overall significant effect. The heterogeneity of the studies was moderate to low, and significant subgroup differences were found between trials with high and low levels of individualization (χ21=4.0; P=.04; I2=75.2%). Age as a moderator variable showed a small effect; however, the results were not significant, which might have been because of being underpowered.ConclusionsEvidence suggests that mHealth interventions for children and adolescents can foster moderate reductions in IPA but not SB. Moreover, individualized mHealth interventions to reduce IPA seem to be more effective for adolescents than for children. Although, to date, only a few mHealth studies have addressed inactive and sedentary young people, and their quality of evidence is moderate, these findings indicate the relevance of individualization on the one hand and the difficulties in reducing SB using mHealth interventions on the other.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42020209417; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=209417

Identification of core components and implementation strategies for a Conservative Kidney Management Pathway across a complex, multisector healthcare system in Canada using World Cafés and the Theoretical Domains Framework

ObjectiveDevelop a Conservative Kidney Management (CKM) Pathway for patients unlikely to benefit from dialysis. We sought to determine (1) core components of care and (2) implementation strategies across a multisector...

Sustaining acute speech–language therapists’ implementation of recommended aphasia practices: A mixed methods follow‐up evaluation of a cluster RCT

While implementation studies in aphasia management have shown promising improvements to clinical practice, it is currently unknown if aphasia implementation outcomes are sustained and what factors may influence clinical sustainability. To evaluate the sustainment (i.e., sustained improvement of aphasia management practices and domains influencing clinicians' practice) and sustainability (i.e., factors influencing sustainability) outcomes of the Acute Aphasia IMplementation Study (AAIMS). A convergent interactive mixed-methods sustainability evaluation was conducted on two previously delivered implementation interventions (AAIMS). The AAIMS interventions were targeted at improving either written aphasia-friendly information provision (Intervention A) or collaborative goal-setting (Intervention B). Outcomes were collected 2 and 3 years post-implementation, addressing the research questions of sustainment (e.g., medical record audits and behavioural constructs questionnaires) and sustainability (e.g., post-study focus groups and organizational readiness surveys). Quantitative sustainability data were compared with post-implementation data, allowing for sustainment to be determined. Clinicians' perspectives on sustainability outcomes and challenges were analysed using framework analysis and integrated with the quantitative findings. A total of 35 speech-language therapists (SLTs) from four hospitals participated. The medical records of 79 patients were audited in the sustainability period compared with the 107 medical records audited during AAIMS. Overall, there was variable sustainment of the target behaviours; implementation for Intervention A was not sustained at either sustainability time point (2018 = 47.8% decrease; 2019 = 22.78% decrease), but implementation for Intervention B was sustained at both time points (2018 = 7.78% increase; 2019 = 18.1% increase). There was a pattern of sustained change in the behaviour change domains targeted by the implementation interventions, where scores of the targeted domains increased over time (0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.05 to 0.30) and scores of the non-targeted domains declined (-0.03, 95% CI = -0.11 to 0.04). Factors influencing sustainability were mainly related to 'processes', 'the inner context' and 'SLT characteristics', and these interacted dynamically to account for variation between teams. Implementation outcomes (i.e., practice changes) were not sustained to the same level for three of the four participating SLT teams, with variable or partial sustainment most common. While the factors influencing sustainability differed depending on the context and individuals involved, the most important factor influencing outcomes seemed to be the level to which behaviour-change processes and strategies were embedded within the SLT department. Future implementation studies should incorporate sustainability measures from the onset and include follow-ups and monitoring systems to help support sustained change in the long term. What is already known on the subject In post-stroke aphasia management, there are few examples of long-term sustainability of implementation outcomes. It is therefore unknown what factors are potentially important to sustain implementation of best-practice recommendations in aphasia services. What this paper adds to existing knowledge There is potential for implementation outcomes to be sustained long term, but sustainment is impacted by a range of factors. Ongoing facilitation or follow-up after initial implementation may to useful to promote sustainment, but is not essential if processes are sufficiently embedded. Gradual implementation into practice may lead to better sustainment than rapid change that is quickly forgotten. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Future implementation efforts should incorporate sustainability measures from the onset. Applying a sustainability framework was useful to guide evaluations and explore factors influencing the sustainment outcomes and is recommended for those interested in sustainability. Results from our evaluation can be used to guide refinement and support future development of sustainable implementation interventions.

Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Behavior Change Model for Designing Artificial Intelligence Chatbots to Promote Physical Activity and a Healthy Diet: Viewpoint.

BackgroundChatbots empowered by artificial intelligence (AI) can increasingly engage in natural conversations and build relationships with users. Applying AI chatbots to lifestyle modification programs is one of the promising areas to develop cost-effective and feasible behavior interventions to promote physical activity and a healthy diet.ObjectiveThe purposes of this perspective paper are to present a brief literature review of chatbot use in promoting physical activity and a healthy diet, describe the AI chatbot behavior change model our research team developed based on extensive interdisciplinary research, and discuss ethical principles and considerations.MethodsWe conducted a preliminary search of studies reporting chatbots for improving physical activity and/or diet in four databases in July 2020. We summarized the characteristics of the chatbot studies and reviewed recent developments in human-AI communication research and innovations in natural language processing. Based on the identified gaps and opportunities, as well as our own clinical and research experience and findings, we propose an AI chatbot behavior change model.ResultsOur review found a lack of understanding around theoretical guidance and practical recommendations on designing AI chatbots for lifestyle modification programs. The proposed AI chatbot behavior change model consists of the following four components to provide such guidance: (1) designing chatbot characteristics and understanding user background; (2) building relational capacity; (3) building persuasive conversational capacity; and (4) evaluating mechanisms and outcomes. The rationale and evidence supporting the design and evaluation choices for this model are presented in this paper.ConclusionsAs AI chatbots become increasingly integrated into various digital communications, our proposed theoretical framework is the first step to conceptualize the scope of utilization in health behavior change domains and to synthesize all possible dimensions of chatbot features to inform intervention design and evaluation. There is a need for more interdisciplinary work to continue developing AI techniques to improve a chatbot’s relational and persuasive capacities to change physical activity and diet behaviors with strong ethical principles.

Behaviour Change Domains Likely to Influence Occupational Therapist Use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.

Introduction Occupational therapists have shown low adoption rates for many evidence-based practices. One such practice is the limited uptake of standardized outcome measures such as the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Use of this measure has not consistently translated into practice despite decades of encouragement. Theory-based approaches to understanding healthcare provider behaviour change are needed if we are to realize the goal of attaining practice that is in keeping with evidence. This study utilized the Theoretical Domains Framework, a theory-based approach for understanding barriers to evidence-based practice, in order to increase our understanding of the limited uptake of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in occupational therapy practice. Methods Theoretical Domains Framework methods were followed. First, primary data was collected from occupational therapists through semistructured interviews that focused on key behaviour change domains as they related to the use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Two independent researchers coded interview data into domains, derived belief statements from the data, and used belief strength, conflict, and frequency to determine the more and less influential domains for using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Results Interviews with 15 practicing occupational therapists across a range of practice areas yielded six key behaviour change domains for increasing the use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The more relevant domains were Social influences, Social professional role and identity, Beliefs about consequences, Beliefs about capabilities, Skills, and Behavioural regulation). The other eight domains were found to be less relevant. Conclusion We identified important domains and beliefs that influence the use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure by occupational therapists. Results inform our understanding of the use of this measure in practice and identify potential targets for behaviour change interventions.

Barriers and enablers to engagement in participatory arts activities amongst individuals with depression and anxiety: quantitative analyses using a\xa0behaviour change framework

BackgroundThere is a large literature on the health benefits of engagement with the arts. However, there are also well-recognised challenges in ensuring equity of engagement with these activities. Specifically, it remains unclear whether individuals with poor mental health experience more barriers to participation. This study used a behaviour change framework to explore barriers to engagement in participatory arts activities amongst people with either depression or anxiety.MethodsData were drawn from a large citizen science experiment focused on participation in creative activities. Participants who reported engaging infrequently in performing arts, visual arts, design and crafts, literature-related activities, and online, digital and electronic arts were included and categorised into no mental health problems (n = 1851), depression but not anxiety (n = 873) and anxiety but not depression (n = 808). Barriers and enablers to engagement were measured using an 18-item scale based on the COM-B Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, with subscales assessing psychological and physical capabilities, social and physical opportunities, and automatic and reflective motivations. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify whether individuals with either depression or anxiety reported greater barriers across any of the six domains than individuals without any mental health problems. Where differences were found, we calculated the percentage of protective association explained by various demographic, socio-economic, social, physical or geographical factors.ResultsIndividuals with depression and anxiety felt they would be more likely to engage in arts activities if they had greater psychological and physical capabilities, more social opportunities, and stronger automatic and reflective motivations to engage. However, they did not feel that more physical opportunities would affect their engagement. Covariates explained only 8–37% of the difference in response amongst those with and without anxiety and depression.ConclusionsFindings suggest that for individuals with poor mental health, there are certain barriers to participation that are not felt as strongly by those without any mental health problems. Mapping the behaviour change domains to potential interventions, activities that focus on increasing perceived capabilities, providing social opportunities, and reinforcing both automatic and reflective motivations to engage has the potential to help to redress the imbalance in arts participation amongst those with poor mental health.

Hand hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among hospital inpatients: A descriptive study

Pathogens may be transmitted in hospitals via patients' own hands, but little is known about the facilitators and barriers of hand hygiene among inpatients. This study aimed to assess the hand hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adult inpatients at 5 hospitals. The study consisted of a cross-sectional survey distributed followed by structured interviews with randomly selected inpatients. Qualitative data were analyzed independently by 2 researchers using the Theoretical Domains Framework. A total of 268 surveys were completed, with 66.4% of patients reporting always performing hand hygiene after toileting and 49.2% before eating. The majority of patients (74.6%) stated that they did not want to receive more information about hand hygiene while in the hospital. Key themes identified from 23 interviews include knowledge; environmental context and resources; memory, attention, and decision processes; and social influences. Self-reported patient hand hygiene rates are suboptimal and there are knowledge gaps among patients as to when to perform hand hygiene, but patients are not receptive to receiving traditional educational interventions. Future interventions to improve patient hand hygiene should focus on other behavior change domains, including environmental context and resources (eg, access to hand sanitizer at the bedside), memory, attention, and decision processes (eg, posters or other reminders), and social influences (eg, role modeling).

Decision-making in the management of TMJ disc displacement without reduction: A qualitative study

ObjectivePatients with disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) may suffer sudden-onset painful/limited mouth opening and immediately seek care from clinicians at the frontline. Currently, there is a lack of understanding of frontline, and specialist, clinicians’ decision-making processes when encounter DDwoR patients. Understanding these processes and what influences them is an essential first-step towards the development of an evidence-informed behavioural intervention to improve first-line care of DDwoR patients. The objective of this study was to examine clinicians’ decision-making processes in managing DDwoR and influences upon them. MethodsA qualitative study informed by the Theoretical behaviour change Domains Framework (TDF) was conducted. The TDF-based topic guide was utilised in semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of medical and dental frontline and specialist clinicians who might encounter patients with DDwoR. Interviews continued until data saturation across the theoretical domains was achieved (n = 21) and were analysed using the TDF to structure coding alongside framework analysis. ResultsThe results highlighted the complexity of decision-making process and demonstrated the influences of all the domains on clinicians’ decisions. Of the influential factors identified, the frontline clinicians placed most emphasis on their lack of: ‘knowledge’, ‘skills’, and ‘experience’ with DDwoR management. ConclusionThe clinicians at the frontline showed high degree of diagnostic and management uncertainty and preferred to refer DDwoR patients early. The frontline clinicians displayed lack of knowledge, experience, and training to diagnose and treat DDwoR. There is a need to enhance the clinicians’ knowledge and skills in managing DDwoR at the first-point of contact. Clinical significanceThe frontline clinicians showed unfamiliarity with DDwoR presentation and inability to diagnose and, consequently, treat DDwoR. This indicates that DDwoR patients may, currently, receive sub-optimal first-line care in the UK. Designing a behaviour change intervention informed by the identified theoretical domains can support the clinicians’ decisions and improve patients’ care.

Using Implementation Science to Promote the Use of the G8 Screening Tool in Geriatric Oncology.

Evidence supports the integration of geriatric assessment in the care of older adults with cancer. The G8 screening tool is a validated instrument to target a geriatric assessment. Use of the G8 tool in clinical practice, however, is suboptimal. We systematically analyzed the barriers and facilitators to G8 tool use in oncology clinics and selected interventions tailored to the local context to enhance its uptake. This qualitative study used semistructured interviews and site observations. St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada. Ten participants including G8 tool adopters and stakeholders at St. Michael's Hospital were interviewed. An interview guide based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was developed to identify beliefs about G8 tool use. Barriers and facilitators to G8 tool use were mapped to the TDF domains and corresponding intervention functions from the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior model. Evidence-based implementation strategies were selected from two databases. Key TDF domains influencing G8 tool use behavior were social/professional role, goals, beliefs about consequences, and social influences. The behavior change domains were mapped to four mechanisms of change: persuasion (conduct local consensus discussions), modeling (identify and prepare a champion), education (distribute educational materials), and enablement (use materials to prepare patients to be active participants in understanding the evidence behind the G8 tool and answering questions accurately). This study identified barriers to G8 tool use. Local consensus discussions, identifying and preparing a champion, using educational materials, and preparing patients to be active participants may be implementation strategies to improve G8 tool use. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:898-904, 2019.

Improving a Full Range of Advance Care Planning Behavior Change and Action Domains: The PREPARE Randomized Trial

ContextAdvance care planning (ACP) engagement includes a wide range of behaviors and actions related to discussions and documentation, yet few ACP intervention studies measure the full process. ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to compare the effects of an easy-to-read advance directive (AD) versus an ACP web site plus the AD (PREPARE + AD) on Behavior Change Processes and Actions, including discussions and documentation. MethodsSecondary data were from a completed ACP trial. Participants were primary care patients, ≥60 years old, with two comorbidities. We used the validated ACP Engagement Survey to examine six-month change in subscales measuring Behavior Change Processes (knowledge, contemplation, self-efficacy, readiness) and Actions (decision makers, quality of life, flexibility for decision makers, asking clinicians questions), specifically related to discussions and documentation. We used adjusted mixed-effects linear models to compare mean change and engagement over time. ResultsCompared to the AD-only, PREPARE + AD resulted in greater increases in all Behavior Change Processes subscales and Actions related to decision makers, quality of life, and flexibility (all P-values ≤0.005). Both interventions significantly increased the proportion of participants who engaged in ACP discussions (PREPARE + AD, 99.5%; AD-only, 93.3%) and documentation (PREPARE + AD, 99.5%; AD-only, 90.4%), with greater increases for PREPARE + AD (all P-values <0.001). ConclusionBoth PREPARE plus an easy-to-read AD and an AD-only markedly increased ACP engagement in a full range of ACP behaviors, including discussions and documentation, and engagement was nearly 100% with PREPARE + AD. Future ACP studies should examine a full range of ACP behaviors beyond ADs and the impact of PREPARE and easy-to-read AD implementation on health care systems.

Development of an implementation plan for the 6-PACK falls prevention programme as part of a randomised controlled trial: protocol for a series of preimplementation studies

BackgroundInhospital falls cause morbidity, staff burden and increased healthcare costs. It is unclear if the persistent problem of inhospital falls is due to the use of ineffective interventions or their...

Initial development and validity evidence for the processes of change in Psychological Skills Training Questionnaire

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to create and provide validity evidence for the Processes of Change in Psychological Skills Training Questionnaire (PCPSTQ). DesignThe current study used a cross-sectional research design. MethodsFive hundred fifty nine NCAA Division I, professional, and Olympic level athletes participated in the current study. To create the PCPSTQ, an initial pool of 114 items was generated by the research team. After a content validity process, 65 items were retained for analysis. Exploratory structural equation modeling was used as an analytic strategy to identify the most appropriate factor structure for the PCPSTQ. Decisions about the most appropriate model were made using multiple fit indices. To examine the construct validity of the PCPSTQ, a series of one-way ANOVAs were conducted to examine differences in processes of change use across stage of change. ResultsIn the current study, validity evidence provided support for a 7-factor process of change measure (χ2 = 325.84, p < .001; Comparative Fit Index = .971; Tucker Lewis Index = .945; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .037; Standard Root Mean Square Residual = .020). Results also supported the construct validity of the scale as a significant difference in process of change use across stage of change was reported for all seven processes. ConclusionsResults of the current study support the factor structure and construct validity of the PCPSTQ. It appears that the processes of behavior change reported across multiple behavior change domains might also be viable for sport psychology professionals.

Development of a behaviour change communication tool for medical students: The ‘Tent Pegs’ booklet

ObjectiveTo describe the development and validation of a behaviour change communication tool for medical students. MethodsBehaviour change techniques (BCTs) were identified within the literature and used to inform a communication tool to support medical students in discussing health-related behaviour change with patients. BCTs were organized into an accessible format for medical students (the ‘Tent Pegs’ booklet) and validated using discriminant content validity methods with 11 expert judges. ResultsOne-sample t-tests showed that judges reliably mapped BCTs onto six of the seven Tent Pegs domains (confidence rating means ranged from 4.0 to 5.1 out of 10, all p≤0.002). Only BCTs within the ‘empowering people to change’ domain were not significantly different from the value zero (mean confidence rating=1.2, p>0.05); these BCTs were most frequently allocated to the ‘addressing thoughts and emotions’ domain instead. ConclusionBCTs within the Tent Pegs booklet are reliably allocated to corresponding behaviour change domains with the exception of those within the ‘empowering people to change’ domain. Practice implicationsThe existing evidence-base on BCTs can be used to directly inform development of a communication tool to support medical students facilitate health behaviour change with patients.

Implementation of tobacco use cessation counseling among oral health professionals in Finland

Clinical guidelines for tobacco use cessation (TUC) counseling recommend that healthcare professionals should provide brief tobacco counseling for all tobacco users. Widespread implementation of these guidelines seems to be insufficient. To enhance adherence to TUC counseling guidelines, it is essential to identify provider behaviors related to a successful implementation. This study aims to assess adherence to TUC counseling guidelines and factors that are associated with counseling behaviors. A 41-item questionnaire relevant to the implementation of TUC counseling guidelines among healthcare professionals was administered. This questionnaire included items used to evaluate TUC counseling behaviors as well Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)-based behavior change items. Of the 95 oral health professionals invited from 34 community dental clinics in Finland, 73 professionals (76.8 percent) participated. The TDF factors and their associations to TUC counseling behaviors were analyzed using correlations and logistic regression analyses. Adherence to TUC counseling guidelines, especially for providing advice to quit, assisting in quitting and arranging follow-up services, were low. In addition, only 15.1 percent of the providers reported asking about tobacco use and 8.2 percent assessed interest in quitting among the majority (>75 percent) of their patients. Of the behavior change domains, "Memory, Attention and Decision Processes" and "Professional Role and Identity" were found to be significantly associated with TUC counseling behavior among oral health professionals. Regarding the adherence to TUC counseling guidelines, there is room for improvement. The identified TDF factors related to TUC behaviors provide an avenue for targeted interventions to improve guideline implementation.