Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and surgical site infection (SSI) prevention is a complex and multifaceted effort. This toolkit highlights four general strategic areas for interventions that are the most impactful in targeting MRSA and SSI prevention. How you approach the topic of tackling these areas depends on what’s right for your facility or surgical service. This information is also presented, organized for specific phases of care among the surgical services line, in the MRSA and SSI Prevention Phases. The information provided in this toolkit was specifically developed for: cardiac, hip and knee joint replacement, and spinal fusion surgeries.
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Section: Targeting MRSA and SSI
MRSA is a major contributor to SSIs and negative patient outcomes. It's important that staff and leaders are aware of the positive impact MRSA and SSI prevention efforts can have on the overall quality of care delivered to patients. The materials in this section will help educate leaders and staff on the importance of MRSA and SSI prevention.
Section: Nasal Decolonization
Nasal decolonization together with chlorhexidine bathing are two of the most effective methods of preventing MRSA and SSIs from MRSA, based on current evidence. MRSA often colonizes the nose. This toolkit includes extensive resources and materials to assist in the implementation of decolonization in your surgical service.
- The Evidence for MRSA Decolonization
- Decolonization Strategies
- Decolonization Implementation
- Use of Preoperative Chlorhexidine Antisepsis
Section: Preoperative Skin Antisepsis
Prior to surgery, patients receive pre-op skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate as part of an infection prevention bundle. Skin antisepsis can be performed by the patient at home or by the surgical team pre-op.
- The Evidence for MRSA Decolonization
- Use of Preoperative Chlorhexidine Antisepsis
- Decolonization Implementation
Section: Antimicrobial Prophylaxis
Patients undergoing surgery need to have antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections. The recommendations regarding antimicrobial prophylaxis are actually very similar for cardiac, hip and knee joint replacement, and spinal fusion surgeries.
Section: Evidence-Based Infection Prevention
This comprehensive infection prevention bundle includes several areas to help prevent MRSA and SSIs. These topics focus on best practices for a variety of evidence-based infection prevention interventions.
- Hand Hygiene in the Perioperative Setting
- Contact Precautions
- Operating Room Traffic
- Perioperative Infection Prevention Strategies
- Optimizing Environmental Cleaning
