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Abstract
Background
The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) is an integrative framework developed from a synthesis of psychological theories as a vehicle to help apply theoretical approaches to interventions aimed at behavior change.
Purpose
This study explores experiences of TDF use by professionals from multiple disciplines across diverse clinical settings.
Methods
Mixed methods were used to examine experiences, attitudes, and perspectives of health professionals in using the TDF in health care implementation projects. Individual interviews were conducted with ten health care professionals from six disciplines who used the TDF in implementation projects. Deductive content and thematic analysis were used.
Results
Three main themes and associated subthemes were identified including: 1) reasons for use of the TDF (increased confidence, broader perspective, and theoretical underpinnings); 2) challenges using the TDF (time and resources, operationalization of the TDF) and; 3) future use of the TDF.
Conclusion
The TDF provided a useful, flexible framework for a diverse group of health professionals working across different clinical settings for the assessment of barriers and targeting resources to influence behavior change for implementation projects. The development of practical tools and training or support is likely to aid the utility of TDF.
Acknowledgments
The following authors were funded by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Translating Research into Practice Fellowship over the duration of this work: CJP, 1035960; APM, 1033392; NJC, 1018810; SKJ, 1030162; IL, 1035152; CTL, 1035429; GR, 1018809; LS, 1036183; ST, 1035256; TPT, 1035729; SAW, 1031632. The authors would like to thank Janet Curran (Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada), Denise O’Connor (Monash University, Australia), and Simon French (University of Melbourne, Australia) for their critical review of our interview questions.
Author contributions
All authors were involved in the concept and design of this study. Interview questions were developed by APM, CJP, and GR. Interviews were conducted by APM and NJC and analysis was performed by APM, SAW, IL, and NJC. Statistics were performed by CTL. All authors contributed to the writing of the manuscript and read and approved the final version.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.