The effect of persuasive messages on hospital visitors' hand hygiene behavior.

摘要: Objective Hospital visitors pose a risk for transmitting pathogens that can cause health care-associated infections. The present study aimed to test an evidence-based intervention improve visitors' hand hygiene behavior through persuasive messages. Method For the 14-week-long field experiment, 7 signs were designed according principles of persuasion proposed by Cialdini: reciprocity, consistency, social-proof, unity, liking, authority, and scarcity. Each sign was displayed on screen 1 week directly above hand-rub dispenser in hospital lobby. After each 1-week posting, blank week. Results An electronic monitoring system counted 246,098 people entering leaving hospital's lobby 17,308 usages. based authority social-proof significantly increased usage rate comparison average baseline rate. Conclusions These results indicate simple cost-efficient interventions initiate expedient change hospitals. However, findings also highlight importance careful planning rigorous pretesting material be effective. Theoretical practical implications these are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).