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, 4 School 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 remains fundamental in nursing practice and is essential in reducing hospital-acquired infections. Without strong evidence-based guidance, nursing practices such as aseptic technique are at risk of being shaped by tradition rather than research. Our aim was to capture the current understanding and application of aseptic technique among nurses in Australia and New Zealand.
Method
We undertook a cross-sectional mixed-method survey design. Registered and Enrolled nurses working in Australian or New Zealand healthcare or nursing education facilities were eligible. Participants were recruited between December 2024 and February 2025. Participants completed an anonymous online survey, informed by a systematic review and existing surveys. Descriptive analysis was performed, with thematic analysis undertaken for open-ended questions.
Results
328 responses were received from each state across Australia (n=275) and New Zealand (n=53). The highest response rate (25.3%) came from participants aged 55 to 64 years, closely followed by those aged 25 to 34 years (25.0%). The majority (61.6%) work in the public healthcare sector, and 212 (64.6%) respondents had more than 10 years of experience.
There was variation in the way in which the principles of aseptic technique were described. The most common barrier to performing aseptic technique was a lack of time (39.8%), followed by variants in policy or procedure (35.7%). Less than half (47.2%) of nurses stated they had been reassessed on their aseptic technique skills within the last five years.
Conclusion
These findings seek to identify inconsistencies, challenges and educational needs in nurses’ understanding and practice of aseptic technique.