Toward a socioethical approach to behavior change

Am J Infect Control. 2006 Mar;34(2):73-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2005.09.004.

Abstract

Infection control professionals have traditionally relied on didacticism to promote behavior change among health care workers, but this approach yields disappointing results in a postmodern era of social fragmentation and intellectual ambiguity. We define a socioethical approach to behavior change and propose its implementation in 4 movements: from individualism to community, from rationality to rhetoric, from productivity to praxis, and from monologue to dialogue.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Ethics, Medical*
  • Health Education
  • Health Personnel*
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Infection Control Practitioners / organization & administration
  • Social Marketing*