Reduction in Rates of Nosocomial Infections Attributed to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Reduction in Rates of Nosocomial Infections Attributed to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Page E115 A. Potts Close Close preview | Purchase PDF (72 K) | Related articles | Related reference work articles AbstractAbstract Abstract ISSUE: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) is a 520-bed academic hospital in central New Jersey. Like many hospitals, RWJUH experienced a steady rise in the rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nosocomial infections (NI) over the past decade. Reduction in this rate became a priority performance improvement goal for Infection Control. The 2003 goal is at least 6 months with <1 infection per 1000 patient days. PROJECT: MRSA NI is calculated as rate per 1000 patient days and displayed using a “u” statistical process control chart to identify special cause. Reduction efforts initiated during July 2000 included mandatory handwashing education programs for staff and installation of an alcohol-based handwashing gel (AHWG) outside every patient room in all intensive care units. Based on physician requests, AHWG dispensers were installed throughout the institution in mid-2001. Concurrent with house-wide implementation of AHWG, a “feedback” system was developed to share monthly MRSA NI rates with all departmental and nursing supervisors via hospital e-mail. RESULTS: Statistical process control chart calculations comparing pre- and post-intervention rates showed a decrease in the mean from 1.6 (6/00) to 1.3 (8/00), with a further reduction to 1.1 infections per 1000 patient days in August 2001, indicating a positive special cause (p=0.003). MRSA NI rates have continued to decline.