Sustained effects of a visual prompt on dish storage in a hospital unit

J Appl Behav Anal. 2014 Winter;47(4):845-9. doi: 10.1002/jaba.161. Epub 2014 Oct 8.

Abstract

We evaluated a strategy for decreasing improperly stored dishes in a hospital unit. A humorous sign and a neutral sign were posted to remind staff to store dishes properly, and follow-up data were collected to determine maintenance effects. Relative to baseline, fewer dishes were stored improperly when a sign was posted, regardless of sign content. These effects were maintained during a 4-month follow-up. Results of social validity questionnaires showed low acceptability for the humorous sign and moderate acceptability for the neutral sign.

Keywords: improper storage; sign; visual prompt.

MeSH terms

  • Audiovisual Aids*
  • Cooking and Eating Utensils*
  • Hospital Units*
  • Humans
  • Materials Management, Hospital*
  • Time Factors