Aseptic Technique: What are undergraduate nursing students learning?

Hawker, C. L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2410-9647 2018. Aseptic Technique: What are undergraduate nursing students learning? Presented at: RCN Asepsis Day, Royal College of Nursing, London, UK, 26 July 2018.

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Abstract

This presentation describes the findings of a PhD study exploring nursing students’ learning of aseptic technique in pre-registration programmes in the UK. A mixed-methods study, sequential explanatory design was used. In Phase One (quantitative), all UK universities providing pre-registration programmes were invited to take part in a structured telephone survey to establish what is learnt about aseptic technique, and how it is taught and assessed. In Phase Two (qualitative), an embedded multiple case-study design was used to explore students’ learning and understanding of aseptic technique in two selected contrasting cases (universities & NHS Trusts). In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of third year nursing students, mentors, nurse tutors and infection prevention nurses. Observation of university teaching occurred at each site and documentary evidence was collected. Thematic analysis of interview data and content analysis of observational and documentary evidence was undertaken. The phase one survey found aseptic technique to be a core skill taught in all programmes. Aseptic technique was reported to be taught using a blended learning approach with application to clinical procedures. Wide variation in teaching time, use of multiple guidelines and lack of accuracy in the principles taught to students was apparent across programmes. Students were found to have limited opportunity for regular competency assessment in university or clinical practice. Three main themes and eight sub-themes emerged from the phase two case-study findings; Different knowledge, understanding and practices (confusion, confidence in competency, lack of standardised practice); Influences upon learning and practice; and relationships (learning the steps of the procedure versus the principles, role models for aseptic technique, limited to learn and transfer skills); Roles and responsibilities to support safe and effective practice (roles and responsibilities for monitoring and maintaining standards and Relationships, roles and responsibilities for aseptic technique education and training).

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Lecture)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Last Modified:	26 Oct 2022 08:01
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/126421

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