EP.TU.642An ANTTiclimax for Antiseptic Non-Touch Technique? A Survey of Junior Doctor Awareness

Aim Hospital acquired infections are a significant problem, costing the NHS an estimated £1 billion per year and impact on the health and safety of patients. Antiseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) has repeatedly been demonstrated as a method to reduce this burden but there is often a lack of understanding of this topic. We investigated the extent of junior doctors’ knowledge of ANTT during invasive procedures and the precautions that are taken in practice. Method This study utilised information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Healthcare, NICE guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control and local protocols to create a questionnaire assessing the following domains; general knowledge, hand washing, procedural and post-procedure actions. This was distributed to junior doctors in the ICU. Results A total of 20 participants were assessed from foundation trainees to registrar level. 55% understood the acronym ANTT, whilst 45% did not. A staggering 85% of participants were not aware of Trust ANTT key principles. 70% of respondents were not aware of WHO and local guidelines relating to ANTT for invasive procedures. 95% of participants did wash their hands prior to invasive procedures and 90% post-procedure. 95% of participants stated they would benefit from a formal teaching session on ANTT. Conclusion These results indicate little comprehension of ANTT with reference to both national and local guidelines. Mandatory online and formal education should be integrated into compulsory induction sessions of new staff Trust-wide.