title: Cost-containment using an outcome-based best practice model for the management of MRSA.
abstract: Prior to 1991, most patients at Christ Hospital and Medical Center from whom methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was cultured were isolated and treated with systemic antibiotics, irrespective of whether they were colonised or infected. The result of this practice was a confused, un-coordinated approach to the management of MRSA patients with a negative effect on the quality and cost of patient care. An interdisciplinary team set about developing and implementing a Best Practice Guideline over the years 1991 and 1992. This guideline provided a separate approach to infected and colonised patients. This intervention led to a decreased average length of stay in hospital of over 10 days, a reduction in the readmission rate of these patients from 8.7% in 1990 to 2.7% in 1992, and resulted in total cost savings of over $1.9 million.
authors.affiliation: Christ Hospital and Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jewell
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D017053:Infection Control / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents