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Trainer's tip: Control MRSA infections with proper staff training

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, April 9, 2009

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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a prevalent nosocomial pathogen in the United States. In long-term care facilities, the most important reservoirs of MRSA are infected or colonized residents.

When an outbreak of MRSA occurs, initiate an epidemiologic assessment to identify risk factors for MRSA transmission. To do this, clinical isolates of MRSA should be saved and submitted for strain typing. Colonized or infected residents should be identified as quickly as possible, appropriate barrier precautions should be instituted, and hand washing before and after all resident contacts should be strictly enforced.

Schedule the following inservices to review appropriate precautions for residents colonized or infected with multiresistant microorganisms:

• The importance of hand washing, including how and when to wash hands
• Proper use of barrier precautions (standard precautions) in preventing contact transmission

If additional help is needed by the long-term care facility, consultation with the local or state health department or CDC may be necessary.

This is an excerpt from HCPRo’s book, The Long-Term Care Legal Desk Reference.

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