Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Although they are becoming more prevalent in healthcare settings, MRSA infections are preventable. In August 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began a project in which hospitals agreed to report MRSA infections to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Multidrug-resistant Organism (MDRO) Module. Hospitals participating in this project will also receive training to reduce healthcare-associated MRSA infections. Acumentra Health is leading the project for Oregon hospitals.

Participating hospitals will have the opportunity to receive training in TeamSTEPPS, an evidence-based program to help healthcare professionals improve communication and teamwork skills. Developed by the Department of Defense Patient Safety Program and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, TeamSTEPPS incorporates concepts and processes that can be used to reduce MRSA transmission and infection rates.

Resources

Oregon MDRO Toolkit

Download MDRO Toolkit at www.oahhs.org/quality/initiatives

CDC

MRSA information

SHEA Compendium

Yokoe DS et al. A compendium of strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals. Executive summary. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 2008;29(S1):S12–S21. http://www.shea-online.org/about/compendium.cfm. Accessed July 17, 2009.

Hand hygiene

• Video training and self-assessment tool

Change package from QIO Support Center

MRSA change package

Institute for Healthcare Improvement

MRSA How-to Guide