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Updated: May 7, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening as a patient safety initiative: using patients' experiences to
Kay Currie1, Christina Knussen, Lesley Price
1Department of Health & Community Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.
Aims And Objectives:
To explore the patient experience and acceptability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening of inpatient admissions to acute hospital settings.
Background:
Prevention of healthcare-associated infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a major patient safety concern internationally. Screening of patients for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation is becoming a routine aspect of hospital admission; however, evidence of the patient experience and acceptability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening is limited.
Design:
A mixed-methods study set in six acute care hospitals in three Scottish regions.
Methods:
Data collection involved postdischarge self-report survey of patients who had been screened (n = 54) and qualitative patient interviews (n = 10). Theoretical constructs derived from the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour used in analysis.
Results:
Findings indicated that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening was broadly acceptable to patients. The experience of screening did not appear to be problematic; responses demonstrate that screening provided reassurance and generated confidence that health organisations were tackling healthcare-associated infections. Patients were less positive regarding the provision of information, the possibility of refusing a screen and the consequences of a positive test result. Furthermore, there were indications that patients wanted to be told the results of the screen and strong support for screening of hospital staff.
Conclusions:
Analysis of constructs from our theoretical frameworks provides evidence that attitudes were largely positive; responses indicate a belief in the beneficial impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening for patients and the wider community. However, it is important that health professionals continually assess the patient experience of 'routine' aspects of health care such as MRSA screening.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
The findings from this study suggest that while methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening is generally acceptable to patients as a regular patient safety initiative, to enhance the quality of the patient experience, clinicians should consider the timing, content and effectiveness of information provision.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening is generally acceptable to patients, offering reassurance about infection control. However, improving information delivery and addressing refusal concerns can enhance the patient experience during hospital admissions.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infection prevention
- Patient safety initiatives
- Microbiology and infectious diseases
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant global patient safety concern.
- Routine MRSA screening during hospital admissions is increasing, yet patient perspectives are under-researched.
- Understanding patient experience is crucial for effective implementation of infection control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient experience and acceptability of MRSA screening for inpatients.
- To identify areas for improvement in the MRSA screening process within acute care settings.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods study conducted in six acute care hospitals across three Scottish regions.
- Post-discharge surveys (n=54) and qualitative patient interviews (n=10) were utilized.
- Analysis incorporated theoretical constructs from the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour.
Main Results:
- MRSA screening was broadly acceptable, providing patient reassurance and confidence in hospital infection control measures.
- Patients expressed concerns regarding information provision, the right to refuse screening, and the implications of positive results.
- Patients desired knowledge of their screening results and supported staff screening.
Conclusions:
- MRSA screening is generally accepted as a patient safety measure, with positive perceived benefits for individuals and the community.
- Enhancing the patient experience requires careful consideration of the timing, content, and effectiveness of information provided about MRSA screening.
- Continuous assessment of patient experiences with routine healthcare procedures like MRSA screening is essential for healthcare professionals.
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