New guidelines to curb methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are underway in hospitals, according to an article on the Medical Express website.

The guidelines' main points include:

• Conduct an MRSA risk assessment

• Implement an MRSA monitoring program and track rates

• Ensure compliance with hand-hygiene recommendations

• Ensure compliance with contact precautions

• Ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and environments

• Educate staff, patients and families about MRSA.

• Implement an alert system

The strategies were published in the July issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology and produced in a collaborative effort led by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Hospital Association, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and The Joint Commission, the article said.

Read the article.