Improving standards of aseptic practice through an ANTT trust-wide implementation process: a matter of prioritisation and care

Abstract

septic technique is a critical last line of defence between patients and clinical staff. Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) recognises this and is based on the premise that reducing the variables in aseptic practice across large clinical workforces by standardising aseptic technique will improve quality of practice and subsequently infection rates. The scale of adoption of ANTT in the National Health Service (NHS) continues to grow, with uptake currently estimated at between 150—250 NHS hospitals using ANTT as a standard aseptic technique. To better understand how effectively the implementation process was working in different trusts a convenience sample of acute trusts (n=7) was reviewed. The trusts used the recommended ANTT implementation framework and applicable audit tools. Feedback was requested regarding the implementation process as well as healthcare associated infection (HCAI) trends mapped before and after ANTT implementation. All seven trusts had found the ANTT implementation process an effective tool for standardising aseptic practice across large clinical workforces. Data reviewed from five of the trusts suggests the process impacted positively on HCAI trends. Limitations include appreciating ANTT implementation alongside other infection control interventions. More controlled studies appear to be warranted, especially now that ANTT is the most common standard aseptic technique in NHS hospitals.