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Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 3/2014

01-12-2014 | Original Article

Reflective and Automatic Processes in Health Care Professional Behaviour: a Dual Process Model Tested Across Multiple Behaviours

Authors: Justin Presseau, Ph.D., Marie Johnston, PhD, Tarja Heponiemi, PhD, Marko Elovainio, PhD, Jill J. Francis, PhD, Martin P. Eccles, MBBS, MD, FMedSci, FRCP, Nick Steen, PhD, Susan Hrisos, MPhil, Elaine Stamp, MMathStat, Jeremy M. Grimshaw, MBChB, PhD, FRCGP, FCAHS, Gillian Hawthorne, MBBCH, PhD, FRCP, Falko F. Sniehotta, PhD

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 3/2014

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Abstract

Background

Clinicians’ behaviours require deliberate decision-making in complex contexts and may involve both impulsive (automatic) and reflective (motivational and volitional) processes.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test a dual process model applied to clinician behaviours in their management of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The design used six nested prospective correlational studies. Questionnaires were sent to general practitioners and nurses in 99 UK primary care practices, measuring reflective (intention, action planning and coping planning) and impulsive (automaticity) predictors for six guideline-recommended behaviours: blood pressure prescribing (N = 335), prescribing for glycemic control (N = 288), providing diabetes-related education (N = 346), providing weight advice (N = 417), providing self-management advice (N = 332) and examining the feet (N = 218).

Results

Respondent retention was high. A dual process model was supported for prescribing behaviours, weight advice, and examining the feet. A sequential reflective process was supported for blood pressure prescribing, self-management and weight advice, and diabetes-related education.

Conclusions

Reflective and impulsive processes predict behaviour. Quality improvement interventions should consider both reflective and impulsive approaches to behaviour change.
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Metadata
Title
Reflective and Automatic Processes in Health Care Professional Behaviour: a Dual Process Model Tested Across Multiple Behaviours
Authors
Justin Presseau, Ph.D.
Marie Johnston, PhD
Tarja Heponiemi, PhD
Marko Elovainio, PhD
Jill J. Francis, PhD
Martin P. Eccles, MBBS, MD, FMedSci, FRCP
Nick Steen, PhD
Susan Hrisos, MPhil
Elaine Stamp, MMathStat
Jeremy M. Grimshaw, MBChB, PhD, FRCGP, FCAHS
Gillian Hawthorne, MBBCH, PhD, FRCP
Falko F. Sniehotta, PhD
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-014-9609-8

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