Empathy and aseptic technique performance
Abstract:
Purpose: Certified surgical technologists (CSTs) promote asepsis principles due to their specialized education, helping to minimize surgical site infections (SSIs). However, closing the empathy gap could support understanding and commitment to aseptic technique and improve outcomes.
Methods: A single intervention, randomized post test control group design was used to study the effect of a patient experiential video on the state empathy and aseptic technique performance of a convenience sample of CSTs (n = 133). The predictive ability of empathy and safety on CST exam scores was also examined. Data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) controlling for CST exam scores, independent t-tests, and regression analysis.
Results: Differences between the means for the experimental and control groups were not significant. There was a statistically significant increase in mean associative empathy scores between the groups of 1.18 points, 95% CI [-0.01, 2.36], t(131) = 1.96, p < 0.05, d = 0.341. Empathy and safety scores statistically significantly predicted CST score (adjusted R2 = 0.14, p < 0.005). The aseptic safety score added significantly to the prediction, p = 0.001.
Conclusion: The significant difference in associative empathy scores produced by a patient-presented video could reduce the empathy gap, reduce psychological reactance, and improve aseptic techniques for CSTs.
Reference:
Wilson SG, Ayars CL. Effect of Patient Experiential Video on Empathy and Education for Surgical Aseptic Technique Among Certified Surgical Technologists: A Randomized Posttest Trial. J Allied Health. 2026 Spring;55(1):33-40. doi: 10.21091/jah.2026.01004. PMID: 41802950.