Daily Chlorhexidine Baths Reduce MRSA Rates in ICU

Intensive care unit patients who were bathed daily with chlorhexidine-based soap experienced fewer incidences of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquisition, according to a study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.

Advertisement

After implementing a protocol requiring daily bathing with chlorhexidine-based soap, the rate of MRSA acquisition in the intervention unit fell by 20.68 percent, from 12.64 cases per 1,000 patient-days to 10.03 cases per 1,000 patient-days.

Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!

Additionally, there was a 20.77 percent drop in cases of all S. aureus infections, including MRSA, in the intervention ICU.

There were no significant changes in MRSA acquisition in the control unit.

Researchers suggest bathing with chlorhexidine-based soap every day is a viable way to reduce S. aureus transmission and infection.

More Articles on HAIs:

9 Statistics on the State of Infection Prevention in NHSN Hospital ICUs
HHS’ Fight Against HAIs Shows Measurable Improvement
6 Steps to Reduce HAI Transmission From Healthcare Personnel Attire

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

When nurses help build the AI, adoption follows: Lessons from 3 health systems

Tuesday, July 28
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Amy McCarthy, DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP, Hippocratic AIBeth Reimschissel, PhD, RN, CNL, Memorial HermannAllison Schlinkert, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Cincinnati Children'sScott Estep, MBOE, BSN, RN, CSSBB, OhioHealth System

Advertisement

Next Up in Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

Advertisement

Comments are closed.