Successful Control of a MRSA Outbreak in a NICU
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection outbreaks have been widely described in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Effective measures for containing these outbreaks have been reported, including the reinforcement of hand-hygiene, staff training, active surveillance, aggressive implementation of contact isolation, cohorting, decolonization and antibiotic stewardship. In many studies, the use of "bundle" strategies or simultaneous and multiple practice changes with the aim of eradicating MRSA spreads has been advocated as more successful than the application of single specific measures.
Usually, the means of implementation is not featured, in particular regarding the most commonly encountered challenges and organizational aspects.
The aim of the present study is to fully illustrate the management strategy to control an outbreak of MRSA infections in the NICU of a university hospital. The identification of actions and the implementation of the multiple established solutions, which have specifically targeted the unit needs, will be described.
Background
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection outbreaks have been widely described in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Effective measures for containing these outbreaks have been reported, including the reinforcement of hand-hygiene, staff training, active surveillance, aggressive implementation of contact isolation, cohorting, decolonization and antibiotic stewardship. In many studies, the use of "bundle" strategies or simultaneous and multiple practice changes with the aim of eradicating MRSA spreads has been advocated as more successful than the application of single specific measures.
Usually, the means of implementation is not featured, in particular regarding the most commonly encountered challenges and organizational aspects.
The aim of the present study is to fully illustrate the management strategy to control an outbreak of MRSA infections in the NICU of a university hospital. The identification of actions and the implementation of the multiple established solutions, which have specifically targeted the unit needs, will be described.