Question

Learning theorists believe the principles of learning can be applied to almost any problem. Infection control in hospitals is a major concern. Many bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics and a number of patients die each year from infections contracted while they are hospitalized. It is known that if all medical personnel- doctors, nurses, aides- wash their hands thoroughly between patients, the risk of infection is substantially reduced. However, most do not properly practice this essential measure! Develop a program, based on learning principles, with the goal of changing the behavior of hospital personnel. (Be sure to explain your plan using operant learning theory, classical conditioning, and modeling principles)

Answer 1

It is true that with the development of microbial resistances the problem of nosocomial infections has become a difficult problem in the hospitals settings. This issue has become critical with the well known fact that medical professionals are aware of the infection transmission in the condition when they do not follow hygienic and aseptic practices. It is very important to develop a program to make aware medical professionals and health care providers and to follow religiously the same.

Step No. 1: Preparation of presentation on nosocomial infections and role of health care professionals

Step No. 2: Developing a training material

Step No. 3: Scheduling of training classes with audio visuals

Step No. 4: Examination of training program effectiveness

Step No. 5: Retraining of individuals if required

Step No. 6: Monitoring committee for the control & prevention effectiveness

The above program is designed keeping in view the theories i.e. operant learning theory, classical conditioning, and modeling principles so that the responses can be determined and actions can be examined. Learning effectiveness shall be checked based on modeling principles.