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MRSA can hide out in hospital keyboards

Nurse Leader Weekly, August 5, 2005

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Results of a study released in April found that the bacterium methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which can cause harmful skin infections, is able to survive on computer keyboards and keyboard covers for prolonged periods of time and is transferable to users' hands.

Gary A. Noskin, MD, an infectious disease specialist, led the study for Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where he specifically studied hospital environments. He found that growths of MRSA were evident on keyboards and keyboard covers 24 hours after contamination.

Despite the presence of MRSA and the potential threat, experts have not linked outbreaks of the bacteria directly to keyboards or computers.

Some infectious disease experts suggest disinfecting the keyboard or cover after each use, although that's unrealistic, says Terri Rebmann, RN, MSN, CIC, an infectious disease specialist at the Saint Louis University School of Public Health. "Staff need to be educated that there are microorganisms on computer keyboards, and they need to consider their hands contaminated after using a computer. Proper hand hygiene after using a computer is essential," Rebmann says.

Hand washing with antimicrobial soap and water or the use of waterless alcohol-based products are both effective means of removing MRSA from hands. To best combat the bacteria and avoid transmitting it to patients, the study says all nurses should wash their hands as often as possible.

Staff wash their hands before treating a patient, but usually not before computer use because it's superfluous, Noskin told Reuters. "The emerging trend in hospitals is to have electronic health records. Some hospitals are putting computers in every patient room."

Keyboards with a built-in antibacterial product and waterproof, washable keyboards are other options for killing the bacteria at the source, but using a cover and cleaning it often is more practical and has more evidence of working.

Steps to remember
Although it's impossible to eliminate all bacteria from hospital equipment-take a few basic precautionary measures to prevent the spread of MRSA:

• Perform hand hygiene before seeing a patient, especially after using any computer equipment.
• If possible, disinfect your hands before using the computer.
• Use hospital-approved disinfectants properly. Most require at least a two- to five-minute dwell time before wiping away to work most effectively. 
• Cover computer keyboards with a protective plastic case, and wash and disinfect the covers properly on a regular basis.

Source: Adapted from Briefings on Infection Control (August 2005), published by HCPro, Inc.

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