Researchers use genome sequencing to dissect and control an MRSA outbreak

Source: Wellcome Trust

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Date of publication: November 2012

In a nutshell: For the first time, researchers have used DNA sequencing to help bring an infectious disease outbreak in a hospital to a close. The approach is much more accurate than current methods used to detect hospital outbreaks and has important implications for the future of infection control.

Healthcare associated infection and antimicrobial resistance

Source: Health Protection Agency

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Date: August 2012

In a nutshell: The Health Protection Agency has published ‘Healthcare-Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance: 2010-2011′. The report contains information relating to the mandatory surveillance of MRSA, MSSA, E. coli bactaeraemia and Clostridium difficile infection; surveillance of surgical site infection; continuing rise of carbapenemases; resistance in Gonococci; surveillance of Norovirus; and antiviral resistance.

Length of publication: 23 page

Marmite ‘stops spread’ of superbugs

Source: NHS Choices: Behind the Headlines

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Date of publication: August 2012

In a nutshell: The science behind the news headlines.  The researchers concluded that they have demonstrated that nicotinamide (vitamin B3) “can improve host defense and thereby promote bacterial clearance”.  Overall, this study provides no evidence that eating Marmite or other sources of vitamin B3, will stop the spread of the super-bug MRSA in humans.

Press reporting of the ‘dirty hospital’

Source: Journal of Hospital Infection, vol. 75 issue 4, pages 318-22

For abstract link here

Date of publication: August 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Investigates UK press coverage of MRSA infection, focusing on how writers linked infection to standards of hospital cleanliness. Items in national newspapers, BMJ and Lancet 2000-2007 were examined to identify their sources of information and their bias towards reporting MRSA as a hygiene problem related to poor cleanliness.  Interviews with journalists about their understanding of MRSA were also conducted.

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library for the full text of this article.

Acknowledgement: British Nursing Index (BNI)

An MRSA screening programme for relevant elective and non-elective patients

Source: Clean, Safe Care

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Date of publication: February 2010

Publication type: Case study

In a nutshell: This case study outlines the work done by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals to implement an MRSA screening programme screening for relevant elective and non-elective patients. The Trust adopted a ‘whole health economy’ approach which involved the foundation trust, GPs and the PCT (both the Commissioner and Provider arms).

Length of publication: 3 pages

Scientists use DNA to track the spread of infection

Source: The Times Online

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Date of publication: January 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: As part of a Modernising Medical Microbiology initative , scientists from a UK-wide consortium have embarked on an ambitious project to read the complete genetic codes of pathogens taken from hundreds of people, so that DNA can be used to track the spread of infection and to identify the source of outbreaks of disease. The £6 million initiative is funded by the UK Clinical Research Collaboration. Work has begun on sequencing 300 different samples of S. aureus and C. difficile, and the tuberculosis research will start this year.

Length of publication: Web page

MRSA objective: recommendations from the National Quality Board

Source: DH

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Date of Publication: December 2009

In a Nutshell: The MRSA objective reflects a zero tolerance approach to preventable infections and the aim of reducing variation in performance on MRSA bloodstream infections.  NHS organisations will be set an objective for reducing MRSA infections, relative to the median, with the best-performers setting their objectives locally.

Length of Publication: 3p.

 

Additional Papers:

1. Supplementary paper 1 – MRSA objective – detail of recommendations
2. Supplementary paper 2 – MRSA objective – detail of recommendations
3. Letter from Secretary of State, Andy Burnham, to NHS Chief Executive
4. Impact assessment of proposals to set an objective for MRSA reductions
5. Equality impact assessment

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) toolkit

Source: Clean, Safe Care

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Date of publication: 9^th September 2009

Publication type: Best practice

In a nutshell: A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is an essential activity to undertake following the diagnosis of a health care associated infection.   Clean, Safe Care has developed a toolkit for implementing a clearly defined process for undertaking a RCA, in order to identify areas that require improvement and minimise the chance of recurrence.   The toolkit includes data gathering tools, training materials, case studies and checklists.

Reducing MRSA rates in drug users

Source:  Nursing Times.net
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Date of publication: 4th August 2009
Publication type: Case Study
In a nutshell: The drugs specialist nursing team at Bristol Royal Infirmary aim to improve services for patients misusing drugs. In 2007 their role was extended to tackle infection control issues relating to patients who misused substances, after a hospital audit revealed a significant number of MRSA infections were entering the hospital via injecting drug users. The team of nurses also provide health promotion covering MRSA, hand hygiene, and avoiding infections while the patients are hospitalised. Between January and April 2007, 10 cases of MRSA bacteraemia in injecting drug users were recorded. Following the introduction of the infection control role, this went down to nine cases for January-December 2008. So far just one case of MRSA bacteraemia in an injecting drug user has been recorded in 2009.
Length of publication: Web page

MRSA reduction: myths and facts

Title: MRSA reduction: myths and facts.

Source: Nursing Management USA 40(5) pp.24-9.

Publication type: Journal Article

In a Nutshell: Considers improvement in staff compliance with evidence based guidelines and mythbusting about MRSA transmission to ensure compliance. Also indentifies trends in the incidence of hospital-acquired MRSA infection and colonisation.

Length of publication: 5p.

Some Important Notes: Ask your health librarian to get hold of this for you.

Renal Turnaround Programme at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Source: Clean, Safe Care
For fulltext link here
Year of publication: 2009
Publication type: Case study
In a nutshell: Following seven reported MRSA bacteraemias and a visit from the Department of Health, the Renal Unit at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust implemented a Renal HCAI Improvement Action Plan.  This case study outlines the strategies used that have resulted in no line related MRSA bacteraemia since January 2008, increased staff awareness and morale and patient empowerment.
Length of publication: 4 page PDF

MRSA Patient Held Record (PHR) pilot project

Source: Clean, Safe Care
For fulltext link here
Year of publication: 2009
Publication type: Case study
In a nutshell:  Case study which investigated the use of a Patient Held Record (PHR) or ‘MRSA passport’ as a means of improving communication about patients with MRSA bacteraemia.  The PHR provides information and records of MRSA results and decolonisation for all healthcare staff dealing with that individual patient.  A six month pilot began in January 2009 and is so far proving to be extremely successful.
Length of publication: 6 page PDF