Mrs. Hannah Kent1, Dr Sonja Dawson1, Assoc. Professor Joanne Lewis1,4, Professor Brett Mitchell1,2,3
1Avondale University, Sydney, Australia, 2Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 3Central Coast Local Health District, Australia, 4School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Critical care and Cardiac Cath lab-trained nurse, Associate Lecturer at Avondale University, and PhD candidate researching aseptic technique in clinical settings. Passionate about education, infection prevention and sustainability in nursing.
Abstract:
Introduction
Aseptic technique forms a component of Standard Precautions and is a foundational concept in nursing practice. The application of that standard appears to vary between context and nurse. The variation of principles and application between facilities and individuals may reflect the current disparity in evidence-based literature. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the current literature and to seek clarification of key concepts and definitions of asepsis and aseptic technique in relation to clinical nursing.
Method
A systematic search was conducted in alignment with JBI guidelines and PRISMA-ScR for scoping reviews. Electronic databases MEDLINE and CINAHL were searched using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms. Studies published between 1st January 2004 and 31st December 2024 were included. Studies were screened in Covidence. One reviewer screened the titles and abstracts, with a second checking a random sample. Two reviewers conducted full-text reviews. Data extraction was undertaken using a pre-specified database.
Results
2812 studies were initially identified, with 31 articles included in the review following the screening and full-text review. Half of the included papers originated from three countries, the UK (6), USA (5), and Australia (4). Many papers do not define asepsis or aseptic technique, and there are notable variations in the terminology used to apply aseptic technique.
Conclusion
This scoping review highlights the variation in the definitions, principles, and application of aseptic technique in clinical nursing settings across evidence-based literature. It will inform a larger planned program of research.