Management of MRSA
Residents colonised or infected with MRSA, who have risk factors for transmission, or where basic personal hygiene practices may be compromised by cognitive or functional impairment, are more likely to contaminate their environment.
Points to remember
Particular emphasis should be placed on hand hygiene. If the resident's cognitive state is impaired, healthcare workers caring for them must be responsible for this activity, especially after any toileting or contact with colonised/infected sites or devices.
MRSA is spread in a similar way to other MRO/MDROs
Ensure a risk assessment is performed before bed allocation and/or at admission
Contact precautions will be required for residents considered heavy shedders with high-risk factors for transmission
Strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols must be followed
Keep the environment clean and dust-free at all times, and use a 2-step cleaning regimen if the resident is cared for under contact precautions
Discharge, transfers, and outings
Colonisation or infection with MRSA is not a contraindication for transfer to other healthcare facilities. The receiving facility must be notified of the MRSA-positive status of the resident. Residents colonised or infected with MRSA may be discharged home by their Doctor.
Visits and outings may occur without risk to family and friends in most cases. Family and friends must be reminded to perform hand hygiene frequently.