• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Train staff to prevent the spread of MRSA

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, August 19, 2005

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education!

According to an April 2005 study, the bacterium methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) - which can cause harmful skin infections - can survive on computer keyboards and keyboard covers for prolonged periods of time, and transfer to users' hands. Researchers studying hospital environments made this discovery, and suggest staff wash their hands as often as possible to combat the bacteria and avoid transmitting it to patients. Although experts warn hospital staff of the presence of MRSA and its potential threat, they have not linked outbreaks of the bacteria directly to keyboards or computers. However, researchers do recommend putting the following techniques into action at your facility. Share these tips during infection control training 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.

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

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education!

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive