The manipulation of glass ampoules involves risk of particle contamination of parenteral medication, and the use of filter needles has often been recommended in order to reduce the number of particles in these solutions. This study aims to develop a theory-based intervention to increase nurse intention to use filter needles according to clinical guideline recommendations produced by a large university medical centre in Quebec (Canada). Using the Intervention Mapping framework, we first identified the psychosocial determinants of nurse intention to use filter needles according to these recommendations. Second, we developed and implemented an intervention targeting nurses from five care units in order to increase their intention to adhere to recommendations on the use of filter needles. We also assessed nurse satisfaction with the intervention. In total, 270 nurses received the intervention and 169 completed the posttest questionnaire. The two determinants of intention, that is, attitude and perceived behavioral control, were significantly higher after the intervention, but only perceived behavioral control remained a predictor of intention. In general, nurses were highly satisfied with the intervention. This study provides support for the use of Intervention Mapping to develop, implement, and evaluate theory-based interventions in order to improve healthcare professional adherence to clinical recommendations.

The use of filter needles reduces the number of particles found in parenteral solutions after the opening of glass ampoules and has been recommended by many authors. Even so, nurses do not use filter needles unilaterally in their practice. In order to understand the psychosocial determinants of nurse intention to follow recommendations related to the use of filter needles in the preparation of parenteral medication, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a large university medical centre in the province of Quebec (Canada). We developed a questionnaire based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour and distributed it to all nurses (n = 364) from eight care units. A total of 242 questionnaires were completed and returned (response rate of 66.5%). Attitude towards the behaviour and perceived behavioural control predicted nurse intention to use filter needles according to recommendations. Three specific beliefs related to these variables – ease of use, enjoyment and reason – explained 50.3% of the variance in nurse intention to use filter needles. The results of this study support the use of the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a theoretical basis that can help identify important avenues to inform behaviour change strategies regarding healthcare professional adoption of guidelines to improve patient safety.