Applying Social and Behavioral Theory
In particular, the success of an intervention program is enhanced through the use of an appropriate theory, which provides a framework for proper execution. Utilizing behavioral science theoretical frameworks is increasingly essential, especially in interventions, which are geared towards behavior change. To this end, the article titled “Applying social and behavioral theory as a template in containing and confining VRE” provides critical insights on the utilization of behavioral science models in a program aimed at changing behavior among health care workers (Curry & Cole, 2001). The fact that the authors use the behavioral models to address the five levels of influence underpins the efficacy of the approach used in the strategy. The various levels of influence include intrapersonal or individual aspects, interpersonal elements, institutional factors, public factors, and community components (Curry & Cole, 2001). The health belief model is increasingly relevant in aiding the change of behavior among individuals. For instance, perceived benefits explain an individual’s viewpoint of the efficacy of a pre-specified action (Curry & Cole, 2001). Health professionals have an incentive to change their behaviors if they perceive that the move will result in the containment and confinement of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). In addition, the use of the social cognitive theory is appropriate since it posits that individuals not only learn from their own experiences but also through the observation of other person’s actions (Curry & Cole, 2001). This aspect explains why the endorsement of the house staff and senior residents was instrumental in influencing compliance towards gowning and gloving protocols among health practitioners.
In the same vein, the article titled “Success in the South Pacific: A case study of successful diffusion of an infection prevention and control program” provides vital information on how the diffusion of innovations theory is useful in the adoption of an infection prevention and control program (IPCP) (Zimmerman, Yeatman, Jones, & Murdoch, 2015). The model provides five steps through which organizations develop and adopt an intervention program. The application of this model in Kiribati illustrates how an IPCP can be incorporated in a healthcare environment with minimal aid from external agencies (Zimmerman et al., 2015). Therefore, behavioral science models are significantly vital in the adoption of interventions aimed at controlling infections.