Implementing Active Surveillance Cultures to Reduce MRSA Transmission

Linda Riley, MEd, RN, BC, CICCooley Dickinson Hospital,Northampton, Ma.

Implementing Active Surveillance Cultures We started in CCU, did screening for a year,

determined our rate and then used this to budget for the program expansion.

We provided staff feedback using bar graphs: % patients screened Number and % with MRSA Number and % with new MRSA, not already on

our MDRO list. Unit secretary owned tracking compliance

with screening.

Keep it simple!

Volunteers assemble small biohazard bags containing patient teaching materials and culture swabs.

These are kept in tupperware bins in ready reach.

All admissions get screened rather than having a list of criteria staff need to remember.

Precaution Carts

Went from 12 to 20 carts and used ASPR grant (emergency preparedness) to fund.

Cart/sign left at room until cleaning done, then placed in docking station by elevator with “used” sign for pick up and restocking by CSP.

Cloth gowns no longer fluid impermeable separated and used for visitors, saving $5,000 annually.

It Takes a Village!

ED and Lab: actual screening EVERYONE who wears gowns and gloves ES: improved cleaning Senior management/ finance: $$$$$ Print shop: patient teaching materials Volunteers: swab packets Linen/ storeroom/ CSP: maintain precaution carts Public relations: publicity IS: screen savers, e-mails to all with progress Departmental improvement teams: pt. units, ES