How widely has ANTT been adopted in NHS hospitals and community care organisations in England and Scotland?

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Practice
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Governance

Background:

• Aseptic technique competency is variable and ambiguously described internationally, impacting patient safety.
• The UK has implemented initiatives to standardize aseptic technique, including national mandates and education programs.
• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 requires English healthcare organizations to adopt a single standard for aseptic technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of standardization initiatives on aseptic technique practices in the UK.
• To assess the current status of aseptic technique adoption in NHS trusts in England and health boards in Scotland.

Main Methods:

• Freedom of Information requests were used to gather data from all NHS trusts in England and NHS health boards in Scotland.
• The assessment focused on the adoption of single standard aseptic techniques and specific methods used.

Main Results:

• 93% of English NHS trusts utilize a single standard for aseptic technique, with 88% specifying Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT).
• In Scotland, 62% of NHS acute and community hospitals use a single standard, with ANTT being the standard in 56% of these.
• ANTT usage in Scotland rises to 73% when combined with other techniques.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in standardizing aseptic technique education, assessment, and governance across the UK.
• Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) is confirmed as the predominant aseptic technique in English NHS trusts and Scottish health boards.
• These findings indicate a move towards a unified approach to aseptic technique, likely enhancing patient safety.