Changes in infection control practice to reduce MRSA infection.
An increase in the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) led to a review of infection control practice within the cardiothoracic directorate in a South London teaching hospital. Several changes in aspects of care were implemented including educational initiative, extension of the admission screening policy, a specific isolation nursing team and the development of a care pathway. This led to a considerable reduction in cross-infection rates. It was recognized that high-quality, high nurse-to-patient ratio and education on fundamental aspects of barrier nursing were necessary to maintain the low infection rates.
Myatt
Rebecca
R
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Trust, London.
Langley
Sue
S
D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus