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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

MRSA: A Challenge to Norwegian Nursing Home Personnel

M Thorstad1, I Sie, B M Andersen

  • 1Diakonova University College, 0166 Oslo, Norway.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases
|September 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Healthcare staff in Norway fear methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and job exclusion. Concerns stem from inadequate facilities, low staffing, and poor infection control, impacting their social and economic well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing concern in Norwegian primary healthcare, particularly in long-term care facilities.
  • National guidelines mandate testing for MRSA-exposed healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients, with carriage leading to work exclusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the attitudes and concerns of nursing staff regarding MRSA in Oslo County nursing homes.
  • To identify factors contributing to staff anxiety about MRSA infection and its consequences.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was administered to 388 staff members across 42 nursing homes in Oslo County.
  • The survey assessed personal experiences with MRSA and attitudes toward MRSA control and patient treatment challenges.

Main Results:

  • Over half (52%) of nursing staff expressed concern about MRSA infection and potential consequences, including social, economic, and work-related impacts.
  • Staff concerns were linked to environmental factors (outdated buildings), staffing issues (lack of training/education), and deficiencies in infection control practices (cleaning, decolonization, isolation).

Conclusions:

  • Anxiety among nursing staff regarding MRSA is significant and influenced by systemic challenges within healthcare settings.
  • Current guidelines allowing MRSA-infected patients freedom of movement in nursing homes contribute to staff fears of infection and job loss.

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