What is ANTT Competency?

ANTT Competency is when a healthcare worker can articulate and demonstrate the ANTT Clinical Practice Framework in clinical practice.

Minimum knowledge and clinical practice requirements:

The healthcare worker can articulate and/or practice …

•    Why asepsis is the aim of ANTT, and why ‘sterile’ or ‘clean’ can’t be

•    The process used to achieve asepsis – Key-Part and Key-Site Protection

•    Know what Key-Parts and Key-Sites are and can demonstrate their protection   

      at all times

•    Understand and articulate the ‘Key-Part / Key-Site Rule’

•    The two ANTT approaches: Standard-ANTT & Surgical-ANTT 

•    The ANTT Risk Assessment - to determine the ANTT approach

•    The three types of aseptic fields used in ANTT and demonstrate their 

      correct utilisation

How is ANTT Competency Assessed?

In ANTT, Competency is typically assessed (and advised) with both theory and practice assessment. Our official ANTT Competency Assessment Tool (CAT) is ideal for this and incorporates some questioning of ANTT principles and terms during the practical assessment. (Free on request). The CAT tool can be applied to any clinical procedure

The practice language of ANTT is important

Mostly, this is because it helps demonstrates understanding of the principles and process of ANTT. Also, when healthcare workers all speak the same practice language they can have more meaningful practice discussions and patient safety is naturally enhanced. 

Individual responsibility

Healthcare workers are expected to practice at all times within the scope of their knowledge, experience and clinical skills. In most countries they need to be able to demonstrate this through education, training and assessment

Organisational responsibilities

Healthcare organisations have a responsibility to ensure staff are educated and trained effectively to undertake any given procedure. ANTT competency should be unequivocally defined and described in organisational policy and related procedure documents. As well as implementing ANTT effectively, organisations need to maintain it effectively too. (Just like any other important patient safety related competency). 

More countries now mandate requirements for aseptic technique and monitor them through regulations and regulators. For example, in England and Wales, it is a legal requirement for all healthcare providers to have a single standard aseptic technique, that is demonstrable by education, training and assessment, and practice standards monitored (click here to see publication).  Increasingly, countries are increasingly mandating ANTT as their single standardised approach to clinical practice (see here). The-ASAP actively supports organisations and governments to implement and maintain best practice ANTT.