Using focus groups to revise an educational booklet for people living with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health Education
• Patient Care

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) incidence is rising, causing recurrent infections and community spread.
• Educational materials are needed for MRSA patients to manage self-care, prevent recurrence, and reduce transmission.
• An existing MRSA educational booklet lacked audience testing due to resource limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the "Living With MRSA" educational booklet using audience feedback.
• To enhance patient and family understanding of MRSA self-care and transmission prevention.
• To create a more effective educational resource for individuals affected by MRSA.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary professional work group was formed.
• Two focus groups were conducted with individuals living with MRSA and their families.
• Feedback from focus groups was used to revise the educational booklet.

Main Results:

• Audience testing identified areas for improvement in the existing MRSA educational booklet.
• Focus group input guided revisions to enhance clarity and relevance for patients and caregivers.
• The revised booklet aims to improve self-care practices and reduce MRSA transmission.

Conclusions:

• Audience testing and focus groups are crucial for developing effective patient education materials.
• Revised educational resources can empower MRSA patients and families in managing infections.
• Community-based efforts are vital for addressing the growing challenge of MRSA.