Do rapid detection & isolation of colonised patients reduce MRSA spread? An epidemiological, economic & modelling study [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Caroline Marshall (Principal investigator) ,  Donald Mcelwain ,  Dr Mcbryde Emma ,  Dr Megan Robertson ,  Dr Trang Vu
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Brief description Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the antibiotic resistant form of Golden Staph. It is one of the most common causes of hospital acquired infection. Despite the presence of MRSA for more than 40 years in our hospitals, the most efficient ways of controlling it are still debated. Some experts recommend swabbing all high risk patients for MRSA, isolating those found to be carriers it in single rooms or with other carriers and using special precautions, such as gowns and gloves, when in contact with these patients. One of the problems with this approach is that it takes 2-3 days to detect MRSA from swabs using the usual culture methods in the microbiology laboratory. This means that there are delays in instituting control measures, which may reduce their effectiveness. We plan to test whether use of isolation and special precautions is better than our current practices in preventing the spread of MRSA from patient to patient in the Royal Melbourne Hospital intensive care unit. Patients will be swabbed several times during their admission to see if they are carrying MRSA. We will use new, rapid laboratory methods that can detect MRSA within hours from these patient specimens. This will mean that if patients are found to be carriers, isolation and special precautions can be implemented early. We will compare how many people get MRSA in the time when we are not using any special precautions with how many get it in the time when we are. We are also going to undertake an economic analysis to see whether, even if these new diagnostic methods are more expensive that standard methods, they may still be worth the cost if we can prevent infections in patients. This study will help infection control practitioners to decide whether patients should be isolated with special precautions if they are MRSA carriers. The results of this study will contribute to better patient outcomes, lower hospital costs and more efficient use of resources.

Funding Amount $AUD 354,299.87

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant