Unpacking nudge sensu lato: insights from a scoping review

Abstract

Nudges may play an important role in improving infection prevention and control (IPC) in hospitals. However, despite the novelty of the framework, their objectives, strategies and implementation approaches are not new. This review aims to provide an overview of the methods typically used by nudge interventions in IPC in hospitals targeting healthcare workers (HCWs). The initial search in PubMed yielded nine hits. Consequently, the search criteria were broadened and a second search was conducted, introducing 'nudge sensu lato' which incorporates insights from sources beyond the traditional nudge framework while maintaining the same objectives, strategies and approaches. During the second search, PubMed, Epistemonikos, Web of Science and PsycInfo were searched in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Abstracts were screened, and reviewers from an interdisciplinary team read the full text of selected papers. In total, 5706 unique primary studies were identified. Of these, 67 were included in the review, and only four were listed as nudge sensu stricto, focusing on changing HCWs' hand hygiene. All articles reported positive intervention outcomes. Of the 56 articles focused on improving hand hygiene compliance, 71.4% had positive outcomes. For healthcare equipment disinfection, 50% of studies showed significant results. Guideline adherence interventions had a 66.7% significant outcome rate. The concept of nudge sensu lato was introduced, encompassing interventions that employ strategies, methods and implementation approaches found in the nudge framework. The findings demonstrate that this concept can enhance the scientific development of more impactful nudges. This may help clinicians, researchers and policy makers to develop and implement effective nudging interventions.

Keywords: Behavioural sciences; Choice architecture; Hygiene; Infection prevention; Nudge.