Reflection on Aseptic Non-Touch Technique: A Nursing Practice Report

This report provides a detailed reflection on the aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) used for dressing a wound, employing the Gibbs reflective cycle. The student, acting as a nurse in a simulated lab environment, describes the process, from initial assessment and hand hygiene to dressing the wound and disposal of materials. The report details the student's feelings, including initial worry and growing confidence, and evaluates the positive aspects, such as adherence to hygiene protocols, while identifying areas for improvement, like patient communication and teaching methods. The analysis highlights the importance of ANTT in preventing infection, referencing nursing standards, and emphasizing the role of effective planning and hand hygiene. The conclusion suggests improvements such as using the teach-back method and building rapport with patients. The action plan outlines steps to enhance interpersonal skills and evaluate outcomes in future scenarios. The student provides references to support the reflection, demonstrating a clear understanding of the technique and its practical application in nursing practice.

RUNNING HEAD: REFLECTION ON ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE 1
Reflection on aseptic non-touch technique
Name:
Institution:
Tutor:
Date:

REFLECTION ON ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE 2
Reflection on aseptic non-touch technique
DESCRIPTION
In this assignment, I will use the Gibbs reflection model to reflect on aseptic non-touch
technique for dressing a wound which happened in the lab. The reason why I settled on the Gibbs
reflection cycle is that it is a convenient method (Williams, Woolliams, & Spiro, 2012). During
the practice, I acted as the nurse and one of my classmates was the patient with an open wound. I
was therefore supposed to dress the wound using the aseptic non-touch technique. I started by
assessing the wound. I then carried out hand hygiene, cleaned the surface and arranged all the
necessary apparatus on the working surface. I then put on new gloves and removed the blood
stained dressings. After that, I threw away the used gloves and put on new ones. I then dressed
the wound. I made sure that only the sterile parts come in contact with the wound. After the
process, I disposed all the used gloves and dressings in a dustbin.
FEELINGS
Since this was the first time I was performing the aseptic non-touch technique, I was very
worried at the beginning. However, I became motivated with time after realizing that it was just a
simulation exercise after all .I also became confident after the assessing the status of the wound.
In the midst of the process, I got confused but I was encouraged by the tutor who gave me the
way out by instructing me on what I should at a particular stage. I was also anxious and curious
at the beginning about the overall outcome of the process. At the end of the technique, I was very
excited since my performance was satisfactory.

REFLECTION ON ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE 3
EVALUATION
Most of the things in the technique were positive. Some of the positive aspects of the
process include my ability to stick to the protocol of the process by conducting regular hand
hygiene to prevent contamination of the wound. The only thing that was negative in this case
was that I failed to communicate with the patient on the importance of the technique and I also
did not use an appropriate teaching method during the discharge. This are some of the aspects
that am planning to improve on incase I come across a similar scenario in future.
ANALYSIS
Aseptic Non-touch technique is the best method of dressing wounds since it prevents
entry of pathogens in the wound. According to the NMBA standards of practice in Australia, it is
the duty of the nurse to provide safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing
practice(Davidson, 2015). This simulation practice has proved that the technique is in line with
this standard. I have realized that effective planning prior to the process yields better outcomes.
This is why I made sure that all the equipment to be used during the process are arranged in an
orderly manner and made sure that the working surface is also clean. A good plan is also part of
the NMBS standard five of practice (Chau et al., 2010). I have also realized the importance of
hand hygiene during the Aseptic non-touch technique. It is just a protocol that prevents
contamination of the site of the wound.
CONCLUSION
There are somethings that I feel should have been done differently. One of the things
include using the teach back method during the discharge to educate the patient on how well
he/she can take care of the wound at home. This method would enable the patient to understand

REFLECTION ON ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE 4
what he/she is supposed to do when discharged. Research has linked this method as the best
especially under home based care. Other things that I could have done differently is
demonstrating enough confidence so as to gain trust of the patient. I would also have talked with
the patient on how the technique will be performed and its importance. This assists the patient to
be psychologically prepared for the entire technique.
ACTION PLAN
In case I come such a case in future, I will start by building a rapport with the patient.
This will involve communication. In this case study, I realized that I have a weakness in
establishing in interpersonal skills. I will also ensure that I evaluate the outcome of the aseptic
non-touch technique which I did not do in this case. This is because the NMBA standard 7
dictates that it is the role of the nurse to evaluate outcomes to inform the nursing practice. After
the technique, I will use the teach back method to educate the patient on how he/she can take
good care of the wound at home before the patient is discharged.

REFLECTION ON ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE 5
References
Chau, J. P., Lam, L., Lui, M. H., Ip, W., Chien, W., Lee, I. F., & Thompson, D. R. (2010). A
survey of registered nurses’ perceptions of the code of professional conduct in Hong
Kong. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(23-24), 3527-3534. doi:10.1111/j.1365-
2702.2010.03349.x
Davidson, J. R. (2015). Current Concepts in Wound Management and Wound Healing
Products. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 45(3), 537-
564. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.01.009
Williams, K., Woolliams, M., & Spiro, J. (2012). Using a framework for reflection: Gibbs’
reflective cycle. Reflective Writing, 90-102. doi:10.1007/978-0-230-37724-0_16