Adherence with universal precautions after immediate, personalized performance feedback: An experimental analysis

This study evaluated the effects of immediate personalized performance feedback on adherence with universal precaution behaviors by health care staff. Hand hygiene was the targeted dependent variable; data on other behaviors were also analyzed. An AB multiple baseline across participants design with direct observation was the method of evaluation. The performance feedback consisted of verbal and written feedback delivered by the investigator immediately after the behaviors occurred. Feedback was delivered until the behavior reached the mastery criterion of three consecutive sessions of 100% adherence with the investigator present and five consecutive sessions of 100% adherence in the absence of the investigator but in the presence of observers. The intervention provided a quick means to bring people up to mastery levels and received positive social validity ratings. The feedback was effective at maintaining adherence near 100% throughout the 2 months of maintenance probes.