Strategies for Preventing Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms during Wound Care Procedures

Strategies for Preventing Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms during Wound Care Procedures Pages E65-E66 G. Felizardo Close Close preview | Purchase PDF (77 K) | Related articles | Related reference work articles AbstractAbstract Abstract ISSUE: Group Health Cooperative experienced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus outbreaks during a 12-month period in three ambulatory care clinics that perform wound care. Infection Controlʹs investigation, findings, and interventions are described. PROJECT: IC investigations revealed similar disparities in wound-care procedures that promoted cross-contamination and transmission of microorganisms. These included inadequacies in: personal protective equipment and environmental barrier use, environmental and instrument cleaning and disinfection, and separation of clean versus dirty items and procedures. Several strategies and interventions were implemented, procedures were written, staff education presented, and a multidisciplinary Wound Care Committee was formed that developed a Wound Care Training Program which included infection control principles and practices. RESULTS: Immediate interventions eliminated the outbreaks and transmission. The Wound Care Training that was developed as a result of the infection control assessment and risk identification has been effective in raising the infection control awareness of staff across the continuum of care and has promoted standardization of procedures and supplies and improved patient outcomes. No further outbreaks have occurred. All training and procedures have been applied across the GHC continuum of care (inpatient, home care, outpatient settings). LESSONS LEARNED: Infection control assessment and involvement in wound-care procedures and practice, and wound-care training that includes infection control principles and practices, is imperative in raising the staff infection control awareness and patient risks of multidrug-resistant organism transmission and acquisition that can occur as a direct result of the performance of wound care.