Revised Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infection Control for Hospitals | National Resource for Infection Control (NRIC)

Best practice, Journal article, Review

Abstract:

This report was published in the light of changes in epidemiology, increasing prevalence of MRSA in UK hospitals and elsewhere and finite hospital resources available to control spread of MRSA. The report highlights the importance of control of MRSA as an important factor in the provision of patient care but that a more flexible approach may be appropriate in some circumstances. The report therefore replaces previous guidelines (1986 &1990) and emphasis that control measures may vary for some patient groups depending on local circumstances. Part 1: describes the current epidemiology of MRSA in the United Kingdom and reviews the scientific background to the control of MRSA (1998) Part 2: offers practical guidance on the control of MRSA in hospitals, based on the research findings in the previous section and on expert consensus opinion endorsed by the responsible societies. Tables and appendices summarise the guidance and sets out further practical help for certain situations

Authors:

Report of a combined working party of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapythe Hospital Infection Society and the Infection Control Nurses Associationprepared by G. DuckworthB. CooksonH. Humphreys & R. Heathcock

Link:

https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(06)00002-8/abstract

Category:

Control

Epidemiology

Investigation

Management

Prevention

Treatment

Expert Review

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Summary:

This report was published in the light of changes in epidemiology, increasing prevalence of MRSA in UK hospitals and elsewhere and finite hospital resources available to control spread of MRSA. The report highlights the importance of control of MRSA as an important factor in the provision of patient care but that a more flexible approach may be appropriate in some circumstances. The report therefore replaces previous guidelines (1986 &1990) and emphasis that control measures may vary for some patient groups depending on local circumstances.Part 1: describes the current epidemiology of MRSA in the United Kingdom and reviews the scientific background to the control of MRSA (1998)Part 2: offers practical guidance on the control of MRSA in hospitals, based on the research findings in the previous section and on expert consensus opinion endorsed by the responsible societies.Tables and appendices summarise the guidance and sets out further practical help for certain situations

Questions Addressed:

This report set out the current epidemiology, scientific background evidence, and practical guidance on control of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at the time of publication. (1998) it should be used to inform decisions on management, prevention and control of MRSA alongside current evidence, current expert opinion and latest government policy

Type of Study:

Report-based on review of evidence and expert consensus opinion

Methods Valid:

Yes

Methods Valid Detail:

This guidance is at present under review and is expected to be issued as a consultation document later this year (2005)

Results Reliability:

Changes in epidemiology, expert opinion, and prevalence of MRSA and Government policy both nationally and internationally mean that some of the reports practical guidance on screening, isolation and treatment have now been superseded by new evidence. The revised report and recommendations based on this new evidence and expert opinion is now overdue.

Problems or Biases:

Yes, as above

Relevant Studies:

1. Consultation documents:a. Working party of The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Hospital Infection Society and infection Control Nurses Association. Guidelines for the Laboratory Diagnosis and Susceptibility Testing of meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) April 2005 http://www.bsac.org.uk b. Working party of The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Hospital Infection Society and infection Control Nurses Association. Guidelines for the prophylaxis and treatment of meticillin (methicillin)-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in the United Kingdom. April 2005 http://www.bsac.org.uk 2. Improving patient care by reducing the risk of hospital acquired infection: A progress report (A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General) National Audit Office HC 876 Session 2003-2004: 14 July 2004 www.nao.org.uk

Keywords:

methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus MRSA hospital infection infection control guidelines

Reviewer Name:

Sue Wiseman

Reviewer Post:

Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH

Reviewer Affiliations:

Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association