Sarah Simmons1. 1. Baptist Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas 78205, USA. sesimmon@baptisthealthsystem.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: Determine if implementing a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) active surveillance program in the intensive care unit (ICU) only would affect hospitalwide transmission of MRSA. METHODS: Hospital-acquired MRSA rates were collected from January 2007 to December 2009. In July 2008, an active surveillance program was implemented in all ICU areas. The hospital-acquired MRSA rates were compared before and after the implementation of the screening program. RESULTS: The ICU rate of hospital-acquired MRSA reduced from 3.19/1000 patient-days to 1.66/1000 patient-days (P .005). The facility's hospital-acquired MRSA rate was reduced from 0.80/1000 patient-days to 0.38/1000 patient-days (P .0003). CONCLUSION: Implementing an ICU-only active surveillance program is an effective method of controlling MRSA transmission on a hospitalwide level. Additional high-risk areas to consider include long-term acute care facilities, rehabilitation units, and patients with long-term indwelling medical devices.
PURPOSE: Determine if implementing a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) active surveillance program in the intensive care unit (ICU) only would affect hospitalwide transmission of MRSA. METHODS: Hospital-acquired MRSA rates were collected from January 2007 to December 2009. In July 2008, an active surveillance program was implemented in all ICU areas. The hospital-acquired MRSA rates were compared before and after the implementation of the screening program. RESULTS: The ICU rate of hospital-acquired MRSA reduced from 3.19/1000 patient-days to 1.66/1000 patient-days (P .005). The facility's hospital-acquired MRSA rate was reduced from 0.80/1000 patient-days to 0.38/1000 patient-days (P .0003). CONCLUSION: Implementing an ICU-only active surveillance program is an effective method of controlling MRSA transmission on a hospitalwide level. Additional high-risk areas to consider include long-term acute care facilities, rehabilitation units, and patients with long-term indwelling medical devices.
Authors: Jayshree Dave; Paul J Jenkins; Alison Hardie; Melvyn Smith; Paul Gaston; Alan P Gibb; Kate Templeton; Alastair H Simpson Journal: Int Orthop Date: 2013-09-08 Impact factor: 3.075