MRSA infection rates drop in VA long-term care facilities

Four years after implementing a national initiative, MRSA infections have declined

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Four years after implementing a national initiative to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates in Veterans Affairs (VA) long-term care facilities, MRSA infections have declined significantly, according to a study in the January issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

The MRSA Prevention Initiative, implemented nationwide in 133 VA long-term care facilities in 2009, led to a 36 percent overall decrease in MRSA infections over the 42-month study period, despite the fact that admissions with MRSA colonization increased, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

The initiative used a bundled approach that included screening every patient for MRSA, use of gowns and gloves when caring for patients colonized or infected with MRSA, hand hygiene, and an institutional culture change focusing on individual responsibility for infection control, the article said. It also created the new position of MRSA prevention coordinator at each center.

“We previously reported that a MRSA Prevention Initiative was associated with significant decreases in MRSA HAIs in acute care facilities over a 33-month period in a large healthcare system. Here we show that the initiative was also associated with decreased rates of MRSA HAIs in VA community living centers (CLCs) without a corresponding decrease in MRSA admission prevalence,” the report said.

Read the article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



January 15, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Why Cyber Readiness Is the New Standard of Care

In a sector in which digital disruptions are inevitable, the real measure of strength is the ability to deliver safe, reliable care no matter what.


Smarter, Faster, Safer: The Rise of AI in Healthcare Security Technologies

Manufacturers discuss how AI, machine learning and real-time analytics are boosting the speed and accuracy of CCTV monitoring and weapons detection.


The WHO and UNICEF Release New Global Hand Hygiene Guidelines

These are the first global guidelines for hand hygiene in community settings.


Swatting Calls, Hoax Threats Have Real Consequences for Healthcare

A recent report of a shooting at a hospital in California turned out to be a possible swatting incident.


Next Level Announces Expansion of Conroe, Texas Clinic

The expanded facility will offer additional exam rooms, improved patient flow and an enhanced waiting area designed with patient comfort in mind.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.