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Updated: Mar 5, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
The Benefits of a Preoperative MRSA Swabbing Protocol
Abstract:
Infection control practices pose a challenge to nursing care in general, but can have a huge negative impact on the perioperative process. Prior to July of 2012, our institution did not perform routine methacillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening on preoperative patients with a prior history of MRSA. This resulted in patients remaining in isolation throughout their entire perioperative course. Screening for MRSA was delayed until the patient arrived in the medical surgical unit. Many of these patients were later found to have negative nasal swabs. The delay in screening often resulted in the unnecessary use of supplies (increased cost), delayed post anesthesia care unit (PACU) bay turnover and decreased staff satisfaction. Meetings with Hospital Infection Control, lab personnel and PACU staff resulted in the development of a preoperative MRSA swabbing protocol. In July of 2012 a preoperative MRSA swabbing protocol was implemented. Since implementation, the PACU has experienced a cost savings between $7,200- $11,800, a minimum of 40 minutes on PACU bay turnover and an increase in staff satisfaction.
Insights
Implementing preoperative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening for at-risk patients significantly improved nursing care. This change reduced unnecessary isolation, leading to cost savings and increased staff satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Infection Control
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Infection control is critical in perioperative settings.
- Previous MRSA screening protocols caused delays and inefficiencies.
- Preoperative MRSA history did not trigger routine screening, leading to prolonged isolation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a preoperative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening protocol.
- To improve perioperative nursing care and reduce associated inefficiencies.
- To optimize resource utilization and staff satisfaction within the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
Main Methods:
- Developed and implemented a preoperative MRSA swabbing protocol in July 2012.
- Collaborated with Hospital Infection Control, laboratory personnel, and PACU staff.
- Compared outcomes before and after protocol implementation.
Main Results:
- Achieved cost savings of $7,200–$11,800 in the PACU.
- Reduced PACU bay turnover time by at least 40 minutes.
- Reported increased staff satisfaction post-implementation.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative MRSA screening is an effective strategy to enhance perioperative care.
- The implemented protocol led to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Improved patient management and staff satisfaction were key outcomes.
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