Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Improve Perioperative Practice

Four decades ago, perioperative nursing transitioned from a task-oriented and problem-focused specialty to a patient-centered discipline. This transition involved the incorporation of research and implementation of evidence-based practice to improve patient care. This article discusses the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and its possible application in the perioperative practice area. There is a lack of published literature on the direct use of the TPB to describe and explain perioperative practice behaviors. Perioperative leaders and educators can use this theory to help them understand their staff members' behaviors (eg, lack of adherence to policies for patient care activities [eg, surgical counting]). Using the model may help leaders and educators determine the intentions behind staff members' behaviors and identify participants' attitudes, subjective beliefs, and perceived control over their behaviors. This information should help leaders and educators implement effective strategies to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.