The study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary referral center which was organized into single-patient and open-unit rooms. Clinical data sets including bed location and microbiology results were then examined over the next 29 months.
Of the more than 1,800 patients studied, single-patient and open-unit models had similar incidences of MRSA colonization and MRSA colonization-free survival times. Late-onset sepsis rates were also similar in single-patient and open-unit models, as were sepsis-free survival rates and the combined outcome of sepsis or death.
Ultimately, the researchers concluded single-patient rooms did not reduce the rates of MRSA colonization, late-onset sepsis or death. However, they did discover the NICU’s MRSA colonization rate was impacted by hand hygiene compliance, regardless of room configuration.
More articles on infection control:
Hospital finds hand hygiene compliance goes up after eliminating mandatory glove use
A non-antibiotic drug could work against C. diff, study finds
Placing catheters under collarbone reduces bloodstream infections, study finds
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.
