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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Patients' experiences of being infected with MRSA at a hospital and subsequently source isolated
Eva Skyman1, Harrieth Thunberg Sjöström, Lisbeth Hellström
1Infection Control Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. eva.skyman@vgregion.se
Background:
Patients infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) during a large outbreak of E-MRSA 16 between 1997 and 2001 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden, were moved from their speciality ward to the Clinic of Infectious Diseases for care in source isolation as long as the patient needed hospital care.
Aim:
To get knowledge regarding patients' experiences who contracted MRSA at the hospital and subsequently source isolated at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases.
Method:
The interviews were designed according to qualitative research. Six patients, aged 35-76 years, who contracted MRSA at Sahlgrenska hospital and subsequently source isolated for at least 1 week were interviewed. The interviews were tape-recorded and an inter-subjective analysis was accomplished.
Findings:
The study found that the patients felt violated for having contracted MRSA at the hospital and the isolation was described as traumatic, albeit accepted because they took responsibility for not spreading MRSA. The patients felt that they did not receive rehabilitation on the same conditions as other patients and lacked information about MRSA. They felt vulnerable due to negative reactions from the nursing staff, family members and other patient's surroundings.
Conclusion:
Patients who contract MRSA need information about what the MRSA contagion involves. There is a great need for an elevated knowledge of MRSA among staff members. An increased awareness of how the contagion spreads will allay fears of MRSA among staff and patients. The source isolation should be as short as possible to minimise the feeling of confinement.
Insights
Patients infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) experienced isolation as traumatic, despite understanding its necessity. Enhanced patient education and shorter isolation periods are crucial for improving their hospital experience and reducing vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Patient Experience Research
Background:
- A significant outbreak of E-MRSA 16 occurred at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 1997 and 2001.
- Patients diagnosed with MRSA were moved to the Clinic of Infectious Diseases for source isolation throughout their hospital stay.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of patients who contracted MRSA during hospitalization.
- To understand the impact of source isolation on patients' psychological and social well-being.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews.
- Six patients (aged 35-76) who experienced MRSA infection and subsequent isolation for at least one week were interviewed.
- Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using an inter-subjective methodology.
Main Results:
- Patients reported feeling violated by the hospital-acquired MRSA infection and described isolation as traumatic, though accepted to prevent further spread.
- Participants perceived a lack of adequate rehabilitation and insufficient information regarding MRSA.
- Vulnerability was heightened by negative reactions from healthcare staff, family, and other patients.
Conclusions:
- Patients require comprehensive information about MRSA infection and its implications.
- There is a critical need for improved MRSA knowledge among healthcare professionals to mitigate fear and stigma.
- Source isolation duration should be minimized to alleviate feelings of confinement and enhance patient care.
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