New guidelines, published in the July issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, aim at reducing the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and prioritize current prevention efforts underway in hospitals.
The strategies were developed in a collaborative effort led by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Hospital Association, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and The Joint Commission.
The guidelines include information on:
1. Conducting an MRSA risk assessment.
2. Implementing an MRSA monitoring program and tracking rates.
3. Ensuring compliance on hand hygiene recommendations.
4. Ensuring compliance with contact precautions for MRSA-colonized and infected patients.
5. Ensuring proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and environment.
6. Educating healthcare personnel, patients and families about MRSA.
7. Implementing an alert system.
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