Perceptions of Gown and Glove Use to Prevent Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission in Nursing Homes.
OBJECTIVE
To explore current use and perceptions of glove and gown use in nursing homes.


METHODS
Qualitative study using focus groups and semi-structured interviews.


METHODS
Three community-based nursing homes in Maryland.


METHODS
Direct care staff, administrators, and residents.


METHODS
We conducted three focus groups among nursing home staff, one focus group among nursing home administrators, and five interviews with residents. Topic guides were created based on our recent study results and a review of the literature. Two investigators separately analyzed the transcribed recordings and identified recurrent themes.


RESULTS
Direct care staff reported using gowns and gloves primarily as self-protection against contact with bodily fluids, not to prevent MRSA transmission. Glove use was described as common and more acceptable to staff and residents than gown use. Administrators were surprised that MRSA transmission to health care worker hands and clothing occurred during activities when direct care staff perceives no contact with bodily fluids. Staff and administrators expressed willingness to use gowns and gloves for high-risk care activities, particularly if use is targeted toward specific types of residents such as those with pressure ulcers. There was a knowledge deficit about MRSA transmission and infection among direct care staff and residents.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study will inform a strategy to reduce MRSA transmission in long-term care.
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Jennifer S
JS
Albrecht
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Lindsay
L
Croft
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD.
Daniel J
DJ
Morgan
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD. Electronic address: mroghman@epi.umaryland.edu.
Mary-Claire
MC
Roghmann
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008396:Maryland; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009740:Nursing Staff; D011481:Protective Clothing; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*
MRSA; Nursing homes; glove and gown use; infection control; qualitative
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