Designing behavioral interventions using the capability-opportunity-motivation-behavior model and the theoretical domains framework to optimize oxygen saturation maintenance by NICU providers.

Objective: Despite evidence-based guidelines, SpO₂ maintenance-related practices of care providers remain inconsistent. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of interprofessional learning workshops, bedside coaching, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) level enablers on targeted behavioral change of NICU staff, focusing on SpO₂ maintenance.

Methods: NICU is a specialized area of the hospital with sophisticated monitors where multidisciplinary staff provide round-the-clock care for sick and preterm infants. As a subset of a quality improvement project to improve SpO₂ maintenance and reduce desaturation events, three targeted evidence-based staff behaviors were deemed as important based on established capability-opportunity-motivation-behavior and theoretical domains framework models: setting SpO₂ alarm limits, using SpO₂ alarm management algorithms, and reporting daily summaries of SpO₂ during rounds. We conducted interprofessional workshops, provided bedside coaching, and altered unit NICU processes (guidelines, automated SpO₂ histogram printouts, defined staff standard work) and measured demonstrable changes in staff reaction, learning, and behaviors by direct observation of behaviors and survey questionnaires.

Results: Two hundred and seventy-five (87%) and 210 (80%) of NICU staff attended workshops and received bedside coaching, respectively. The proportion of staff expressing satisfaction with workshop and bedside coaching was 85% and 82%, respectively. The proportion of staff reporting improvement in their knowledge and confidence related to SpO₂ maintenance increased significantly following the workshop. Targeted behaviors related to SpO₂ maintenance like setting appropriate alarm limits, adhering to SpO₂ management algorithm, and reporting daily SpO₂ summaries during rounds increased from 80% to 96%, 0% to 64%, and 20% to 70%, respectively.

Conclusion: Focused behavioral change interventions aimed at improving staff capability, opportunity, and motivation resulted in a demonstrable change in targeted staff behaviors related to SpO₂ maintenance. Further research is needed to establish ways of optimizing intended staff behaviors while implementing care bundles in a given setting.