Impact of active screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and decolonization on MRSA infections, mortality and medical cost: A quasi-experimental study in surgical intensive care unit

Yuarn Jang Lee, Jen Zon Chen, Hsiu Chen Lin, Hsin Yi Liu, Shyr Yi Lin, Hsien Ho Lin, Chi Tai Fang, Po Ren Hsueh

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32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading pathogen of healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units (ICUs). Prior studies have shown that decolonization of MRSA carriers is an effective method to reduce MRSA infections in ICU patients. However, there is currently a lack of data on its effect on mortality and medical cost. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental, interrupted time-series design with re-introduction of intervention, we evaluated the impact of active screening and decolonization on MRSA infections, mortality and medical costs in the surgical ICU of a university hospital in Taiwan. Regression models were used to adjust for effects of confounding variables. Results: MRSA infection rate decreased from 3.58 (baseline) to 0.42‰ (intervention period) (P

Original languageEnglish
Article number143
JournalCritical Care
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 8 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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