Such theories have already proven successful in other health promotion interventions such as in educational materials for smoking cessation [11]. A critical component of constructivist learning theory is elicitation of cognitive dissonance [12]. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person’s preconceived notions about the self and the world clash with new knowledge

Dabrafenib research buy acquisition; the discrepancy that is evoked results in a state of tension known as cognitive dissonance [12]. Our educational intervention for reducing benzodiazepine use was developed to create cognitive dissonance by soliciting an aversive motivational state in recipients by confronting two inconsistent cognitions on benzodiazepine use. The theory holds that as the experience of dissonance is unpleasant, the individual will be motivated to remove the pressure caused by this conflict by altering one of these perceptions to achieve consonance [12]. Erlotinib supplier For instance, if an individual previously believed that benzodiazepines were safe, the threatening

content of the tool challenges this belief by providing information that benzodiazepines incur several harmful risks, thus putting into question whether consumption should be continued [13] and [14] We also incorporated social comparison theory into the content of the intervention to reassure participants about their newfound uncertainty regarding benzodiazepine use. Social comparison states that: “people evaluate their opinions and abilities by comparison respectively with the opinions and abilities of others”[15]. It thus consists of comparing oneself with others in order to evaluate or to enhance some aspects of the self [16]. Here, the evaluation of the ability or inability to

do a specific action relies on the success of a proxy performer. The efficacy of this theory depends on whether the comparer assimilates or contrasts him/herself to others [17]. Comparability with a peer champion’s narrative and previous agreement with the peer’s views Histidine ammonia-lyase are important factors for the comparison to work [16]. A self-assessment component was also introduced, which aimed to promote insight about potential misinformation or beliefs held about benzodiazepine use by providing feedback on incorrect assumptions [18] and [19]. Textual content of the intervention was based on a systematic review of the evidence as well as guidelines concerning the use of benzodiazepines in the elderly. A geriatrician and graduate student drafted the initial content of the tool, which was then validated by a panel of colleagues with expertise in geriatric pharmacy and reviewed by a health librarian to ensure that the wording met standards for patient literacy at the Grade 6 level. The tool was developed in English, and backward and forward translated into French.