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

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.