Thomas R. Cunningham & John Austin. (2007)
Using goal setting, task clarification, and feedback to increase the use of the hands-free technique by hospital operating room staff.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
40, 673-677.
We evaluated the effects of a behavioral treatment on the safe passing of
sharp instruments using the hands-free technique among hospital operating
room personnel during surgical procedures. Treatment consisted of participative
goal setting, task clarification, and feedback. The average percentage of
sharp instruments passed safely increased from 32% to 64% and 31% to 70%
between baseline and treatment phases in the inpatient and outpatient surgery
units, respectively. Five-month follow-up data suggested maintenance of
treatment effects. These findings suggest the utility of organizational
behavior management strategies in reducing risky behavior in hospital settings.
DESCRIPTORS: injury reduction, organizational behavior management, goal setting, feedback, task clarification, surgical procedures