Behaviour change strategies for IPC

EU-JAMRAI » IPC » IPC in Animal Actions » Behaviour change strategies for IPC

This working area (corresponding to Work Package 7.4) focuses on embedding behavioural science into infection prevention and control (IPC) by supporting partner healthcare institutions across the Europe to design, implement and evaluate context-specific behaviour change interventions that strengthen day‑to‑day IPC practices.

The work package builds upon the recognition that technical solutions like guidelines and education alone are insufficient. Rather, sustained improvement requires understanding why behaviours occur, and how to support frontline staff to adopt safer and more consistent IPC routines.

Objectives

To support partners in using behavioural science frameworks, including TDF (Theoretical Domains Framework) and COM‑B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour), to identify factors influencing IPC behaviours.

To use these insights to inform the co‑design and piloting of tailored behaviour change interventions tailored to each participating organisation, with an emphasis on feasubility, sustainability, and real-world implementation.

To generate shared learning across European countries on the drivers, barriers, and enablers of IPC behavioural change.

Key Activities and Progress

Establish national coordination teams who will recruit pilot healthcare institutions across participating countries.

Build capacity in behavioural science for IPC among the participating partners through a two- day Behaviour Change Workshop  in Malta (October 2024), delivered in hybrid format to ensure broad participation. The workshop provided a shared foundation in behavioural drivers of IPC performance, behaviour change principles, TDF and COM-B frameworks, and intervention planning.

Identify an IPC related behaviour in each participating pilot location that will be addressed during the project

Conduct structured behavioural diagnostics using tailored TDF-based surveys and interviews aiming to identify key barriers and enablers influencing selected IPC practices at hospital level.

Strengthen cross-country learning through a second in-person Behaviour Change Workshop in Helsinki, with a specific focus on completing the main diagnostic phase, interpreting survey findings, exploring organisational culture influences, and translating behavioural insights into practical IPC intervention components.

Design and refine context specific IPC behaviour change interventions that are informed by diagnostic findings and COM-B analyses.

Explore and integrate organisational culture assesments through the development of an organisational culture factor survey to capture contextual features of hospital settings and inform tailoring and implementation of behaviour change interventions

Providing ongoing support through one-to-one meetings between WP coordinators and national teams to refine target behaviours, validate identified barriers and enablers, confirm priorities, and agree on implementation timelines.

Facilitate continued cross-country knowledge exchange through activities including a dedicated side events at Annual General Meetings and other online meetings to compare results and discuss challenges and opportunities.

Disseminate progress and key insights through EU-JAMRAI communication channels, promoting visibility and engagement among European IPC Stakeholders

Expected Impact

This working area (WP 7.4) aims to deliver a replicable, evidence‑based model for embedding behavioural science into IPC programmes. By understanding what drives frontline practice and designing interventions that reflect real‑world constraints and motivations, the work package will contribute to more sustainable, person‑centred IPC improvements across European health systems.