A series of sequential interventions helped a neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital achieve zero methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus transmission, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
After analyzing current inpatient infection control practices at the hospital, researchers developed a series of interventions including:
• Reinforcing staff awareness of infection control practices via regular education and updates
• Providing faster feedback
• Ensuring easy availability of cleaning equipment
• Individualizing items for all patients
• Keeping personal belongings away from clinical areas
• Revising inpatient admission workflow for babies transferred from other hospitals
The quality improvement project, wherein the interventions were implemented and data was examined, was conducted over a nine-month period.
Researchers found that the NICU achieved zero MRSA transmission to patients who previously did not have MRSA. Hand hygiene and environmental hygiene compliance improved from a median rate of 87.1 percent and 82.2 percent, respectively, before the interventions to 100 percent median rate for both after the interventions.