Is there is consensus for the aims of aseptic technique undertaken by nurses outside operating theatres? Delphi survey with follow-up study day

Hawker, Clare ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2410-9647, Gould, Dinah, Purssell, Edward, Drey, Nicholas, Gallagher, Rose, Oxley-Smith, Georgia, Fellows, Caroline, Ormandy, Kevin and Hines, John 2026. Is there is consensus for the aims of aseptic technique undertaken by nurses outside operating theatres? Delphi survey with follow-up study day. Journal of Hospital Infection 10.1016/j.jhin.2026.01.023

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Abstract

Background: Aseptic technique is integral to infection prevention but not clearly defined in international guidelines. Recommendations for practice lack concordance. Aim: Establish whether there is consensus for the aims of aseptic technique and how it should be undertaken by nurses outside operating theatres. Methods: Online modified Delphi survey in two rounds with follow-up study day. Results: According to participants, aseptic technique is necessary to prevent transmission of potential pathogens; undertaken primarily to protect the patient undergoing the procedure; should be preceded by risk assessment; and only sterile items should enter the sterile field or contact the vulnerable site. To undertake risk assessment, information about the patient and venue are considered necessary. There is no consensus concerning whether the aim is to protect other patients and health workers; whether aseptic technique is possible in all settings; and appropriateness of personal protective equipment. Findings from the follow-up study day suggest that participants can undertake risk assessment when supplied with basic information related to patients and environment. The outcome of risk assessment is influenced by the venue where the procedure is undertaken, previous experience and perceptions about how invasive the procedure is; distinction is made between procedures considered highly invasive and those perceived to carry less risk. Conclusion: Nurses agree on some, but not all key issues related to aseptic technique. Decision to undertake it appears to depend on venue, experience and perceptions of how invasive the procedure is. More focus is needed on education, delivery and audit of aseptic procedures to improve consistency of understanding and practice.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0195-6701
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 March 2026
Date of Acceptance:	31 January 2026
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2026 15:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/185306

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