Prevention
Prevention of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Transmission
Basic practices for prevention and monitoring of MRSA transmission*
ÎComponents of a MRSA transmission prevention program
> Conduct a MRSA risk assessment (B-III). > Implement a MRSA monitoring program (A-III). > Promote compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or World Health Organization hand hygiene recommendations (A-II).
> Use contact precautions for MRSA-colonized or -infected patients (A-II). > Ensure cleaning and disinfection of equipment and the environment (B-III). > Educate healthcare personnel about MRSA, including risk factors, routes of
> Implement a laboratory-based alert system that immediately notifies infection prevention and control and clinical personnel of new MRSA-colonized or -infected patients (B-III).
transmission, outcomes associated with infection, prevention measures, and local epidemiology (B-III).
> Implement an alert system that identifies readmitted or transferred MRSA-colonized or -infected patients (B-III).
> Educate patients and their families about MRSA, as appropriate (B-III). Special approaches for the prevention of MRSA transmission**
ÎActive surveillance testing: MRSA screening program for patients
> Implement a MRSA active surveillance testing program as part of a multifaceted strategy to control and prevent MRSA transmission when evidence suggests ongoing transmission despite implementation of basic practices (B-II).
ÎActive surveillance testing for MRSA among healthcare personnel
> Screen healthcare personnel for MRSA infection or colonization only if they are epidemiologically linked to a cluster of MRSA infections (B-III).
ÎRoutine bathing with chlorhexidine > Routinely bathe adult ICU patients with chlorhexidine (B-III). ÎMRSA decolonization therapy for MRSA-colonized persons
> Provide decolonization therapy to MRSA-colonized patients in conjunction with an active surveillance testing program (B-III).
Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI)
Basic practices for prevention and monitoring of CDI* ÎUse contact precautions for infected patients, with a single-patient room preferred (A-II for hand hygiene, A-I for gloves, B-III for gowns, and B-III for single-patient room).
> Provide MRSA data and other outcome measures to key stakeholders, including senior leadership, physicians, and nursing staff (B-III).
