Mrs Hannah Kent1, Dr Sonja Dawson1, Assoc. Professor Joanne Lewis1,4, Professor Brett Mitchell1,2,3,5
1Avondale University, Lake Macquarie, Australia, 2Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 3Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, Australia, 4School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia, 5Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
Biography:
Critical care and Cardiac Cath Lab-trained registered nurse, Nursing Lecturer at Avondale University, and PhD candidate researching aseptic technique in clinical settings. Passionate about nursing education, infection prevention and patient safety.
Abstract:
Introduction
Aseptic technique is fundamental to patient safety and nursing practice, yet its terminology and principles remain inconsistently defined. Research shows wide variation in nurses’ understanding and use of aseptic technique, in addition to variation across international guidelines. With no agreed terminology and an increasingly global nursing workforce, shared principles are vital for consistent infection-prevention practice. The aim of this world-first study was to establish expert consensus on the core principles underpinning aseptic technique in clinical nursing settings.
Method
A real-time Delphi study was conducted over a six-week period from 20 October to 1 December 2025 with 49 Australian experts, including infection prevention specialists, nurse academics, clinical educators and clinicians. Consensus was sought on proposed statements derived from a national cross-sectional survey of nurses and a scoping review.
Results
Consensus was achieved for 41 statements (≥80%), with 28 reaching ≥90% agreement. Panel members proposed and achieved consensus on three additional statements, resulting in 44 agreed statements comprising nine underpinning principles and 35 practical implementation statements. Panel feedback focused on improving clarity and clinical applicability rather than disagreement on core concepts. The nine principles of aseptic technique were: preparation and planning; hand hygiene; personal protective equipment; non-touch technique; aseptic field management; aseptic behaviours; environmental control; waste management; and patient education.
Conclusion
These findings provide contemporary clarification of the principles underpinning aseptic technique and will inform national guidelines and clinical practice. Embedding a principle-based foundation across policy, education and clinical governance may improve consistency in practice and enhance patient safety.