A Multidisciplinary Approach to Reducing Outbreaks and Nosocomial MRSA in a University-Affiliated Hospital

Endemic MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) colonization and infection has been shown to increase morbidity, length of stay and hospital cost. Prevention of transmission demands innovative approaches. Descriptive statistics were used to determine high-incidence units. On admission, patients with a history of previous admission to a healthcare institution within the past six months were screened for MRSA. Point prevalence studies were carried out on units with more than two nosocomial (hospital-acquired) MRSA patient isolates within a four-week period. A multidisciplinary team from Infection Control and clinical units determined potential contributing factors. Recommendations included increased organism-specific education for staff, environmental cleaning and elimination of sources of transmission. Control charts to monitor nosocomial incidence rates were provided to those units that historically had a high prevalence of MRSA infections and colonization. Compliance with the infection control isolation guidelines and screening guidelines was monitored by the service.