Comparison of videocassette and personal instruction methods for training pharmacy personnel in aseptic technique

A videocassette self-instruction method of aseptic-technique training was compared with a one-on-one instructor-trainee method to determine the effectiveness and cost of each method. Pharmacy department personnel and pharmacy students with no previous training in aseptic technique were randomly assigned to receive either personal or videocassette instruction. The trainees completed an identical set of practice activities. Three measures were used to determine competency in aseptic technique: written testing on information presented, direct observation monitoring of trainees' technique in preparing broth admixtures, and sterility testing of end products. A total of 28 individuals participated in the study, 14 in each group. Trainees in the group receiving personal instruction had significantly higher overall test scores than did trainees receiving videocassette instruction. Trainees receiving videocassette instruction had more difficulty in aseptic manipulation of needles, syringes, vials, ampuls, bottles, and bags; in properly cleaning the laminar-airflow hood; and in inspecting the prepared admixtures. However, no broth admixture in either group showed evidence of microbial growth. The personal instruction method was more than two and one-half times as expensive as the videocassette method. A combination of videocassette instruction in aseptic technique and instructor intervention during the training process should result in a cost-effective training method.