Program cuts hospital infections by 65 percent
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Across the United States, 94 hospitals implemented a safety program that reduced hospital-onset bloodstream infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by 65 percent in participating intensive care units and other hospital wards.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality collaborated with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop and implement the 18-month program.
The program focused on consistently applying known infection prevention strategies, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and careful management of medical devices like central venous catheters. The program’s success rested on engaging all healthcare team members, including those responsible for cleaning, and providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools. Participating hospitals received educational resources and support to improve practices like nasal MRSA decolonization, where patients are treated to eliminate the bacteria from their noses, and regular monitoring of cleaning procedures.
Researchers compared infection rates before and during the program, finding reductions not only in MRSA infections but also in overall bloodstream infections and those linked to central lines. They also noted increased adoption of key prevention practices within the participating hospital units. The AHRQ MRSA Prevention Toolkit, created from the program’s resources, is now available for other hospitals to use and adapt, and may help prevent the spread of other dangerous organisms as well.
