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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
A staff questionnaire study of MRSA infection on ENT and general surgical wards
P S Phillips1, A K Golagani, A Malik
1William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Kent, UK. seamusphillips@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MRSA) infection has received much attention in both the medical and non-medical press. However, it is not widely encountered on ENT wards, given the profile of short-stay, relatively well patients, although its impact seems to be increasing. We wished to explore the knowledge and attitudes towards MRSA on general surgical and ENT wards, and see if there were any significant differences between specialties, or between doctors and nurses. A 13-item questionnaire with a Likert scale response with six knowledge questions and seven attitude questions was prepared. It was completed anonymously by all nursing and medical staffs on the ENT and general surgical wards of a large District General Hospital. ENT doctors displayed the lowest knowledge and attitude scores; however, this only attained significance in terms of the knowledge of the difference between infection and colonization. Overall, nurses displayed significantly more positive attitudes towards MRSA patients than doctors, but knowledge scores were not significantly different between professions. The study suggests a lack of knowledge about and preponderance of negative attitudes towards MRSA amongst ENT doctors. The difference between colonization and infection is not well understood. Reasons for this may include the relative rarity of MRSA cases on ENT wards.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) knowledge and attitudes vary among healthcare professionals. ENT doctors showed lower understanding and more negative attitudes towards MRSA patients compared to nurses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare Professional Education
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant public health concern.
- While prevalent in general discourse, MRSA is less commonly encountered in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) settings.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes is crucial for effective MRSA management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare knowledge and attitudes towards MRSA among medical and nursing staff on general surgical and ENT wards.
- To identify significant differences in MRSA knowledge and attitudes between specialties (ENT vs. general surgery) and professions (doctors vs. nurses).
Main Methods:
- An anonymous 13-item Likert scale questionnaire was administered to medical and nursing staff.
- The questionnaire assessed knowledge (6 questions) and attitudes (7 questions) regarding MRSA.
- Data were collected from participants on ENT and general surgical wards of a District General Hospital.
Main Results:
- ENT doctors exhibited the lowest knowledge and attitude scores, particularly concerning the distinction between MRSA infection and colonization.
- Nurses demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes towards MRSA patients compared to doctors.
- No significant differences in overall knowledge scores were found between doctors and nurses.
Conclusions:
- A notable gap in knowledge and a prevalence of negative attitudes towards MRSA were observed among ENT doctors.
- The distinction between MRSA colonization and infection is not well-understood by all healthcare professionals.
- The relative rarity of MRSA cases in ENT wards may contribute to these findings.
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