Effectiveness of 2 methods of chlorhexidine bathing.
The purposes of this study were to examine the impact of chlorhexidine on the transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) on an inpatient oncology unit, compare the cost of 2 chlorhexidine bath delivery methods, and evaluate nursing time and satisfaction to administer the baths. MRSA and VRE transmission rates decreased from those during the previous years. Costs associated with bathing increased, but time to administer the bath decreased with the chlorhexidine cloths, and nursing staff reported satisfaction with their use.
The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Ave., Providence RI 02906, USA. JRitz@lifespan.org
Jayne
J
Ritz
Barbara
B
Pashnik
Cynthia
C
Padula
Katie
K
Simmons
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001494:Baths / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020713:Vancomycin Resistance; D055815:Young Adult
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D002710:Chlorhexidine