A survey of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus control strategies in Italy

Area of Science:

• Healthcare-associated infections
• Infectious disease epidemiology
• Hospital infection control

Background:

• Limited data exists on the implementation of advanced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) control measures in Italian healthcare settings.
• Evaluating compliance with established MRSA recommendations is crucial for improving patient safety and reducing infection rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current level of adherence to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) control recommendations in Italian hospitals.
• To identify factors associated with the implementation of MRSA control programs.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive 67-question survey was distributed to all Italian hospitals to evaluate program consistency with MRSA control recommendations.
• Key areas assessed included hand hygiene, contact precautions, patient screening, decolonization, data feedback, and educational initiatives.

Main Results:

• Only 33% of hospitals had written MRSA control guidelines, and compliance with individual recommendations was generally low, with hand hygiene at 33% and decolonization at 20%.
• A significant proportion of hospitals (31%) had implemented none of the MRSA control measures, while only 14% had implemented four or five.
• Increased infection control team (ICT) meeting frequency was the only factor significantly associated with better MRSA control implementation (p=0.004).

Conclusions:

• A substantial gap exists in the implementation of written MRSA control guidelines across Italian hospitals, with only one in seven facilities having a comprehensive program.
• Hand hygiene initiatives and robust infection control team activities are positively correlated with improved MRSA control.
• There is a considerable and urgent need for enhanced MRSA control strategies and implementation in Italy.