Key Points
➤ Antimicrobial stewardship is an essential practice for the prevention
of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in acute-care
hospitals.
➤ Although the use of contact precautions remains an essential practice,
hospitals that have strong horizontal prevention measures and neither
ongoing MRSA outbreaks nor high or increasing rates of MRSA infection
or hospital-onset MRSA-positive cultures may consider modifying the use
of contact precautions for some or all MRSA-colonized or MRSA-infected
patients.
➤ Active surveillance testing (AST) for specific patient populations is an
additional approach that may be implemented part of a multifaceted
strategy to prevent and control MRSA.
➤ Universal or targeted decolonization in several specific patient
populations should be considered when MRSA transmission is not
controlled by essential practices.
➤ This pocket guide highlights practical recommendations to assist acute
care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing MRSA prevention efforts.
➤ It is based on a synthesis of evidence, theoretical rationale, current
practices, practical considerations, author consensus, and consideration
of potential harm, where applicable.
➤ No guideline or expert guidance document can anticipate all clinical
situations. This pocket guide is not meant to be a substitute for individual
clinical judgment by qualified professionals.
