A study of senior staff nurses' perceptions about MRSA.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the extent to which staff nurses feel that MRSA is out of control and that any attempts by them to control it are unnecessary.


METHODS
A qualitative research paradigm with semi-structured interviews to examine the perceptions, attitudes and beliefs of 10 senior staff nurses.


RESULTS
In the study, 60% of participants believe that MRSA is out of control and state 'why should they bother worrying about it'. Furthermore, 80% of participants commented that prescribed courses of nasal mupirocin were frequently missed. The perception is that IV treatments were more important and effective than topical agents.


CONCLUSIONS
The study has established that a small section of experienced staff nurses perceive MRSA to be out of control and they are not overly concerned about its management.
Lines
Laurence
L
Gateshead Primary Care Trust.
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001509:Bed Occupancy; D002353:Carrier State / Q000382:microbiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D016712:Mupirocin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010356:Patient Isolation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016712:Mupirocin