Reducing MRSA Infection in a New NICU During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) infection control
• Public health and epidemiology
• Healthcare quality improvement

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant risk for hospitalized neonates, leading to colonization and invasive infections.
• The impact of infection control interventions on MRSA in NICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of infection prevention strategies in reducing invasive MRSA infections within a level IV NICU.
• To evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on MRSA infection rates and intervention outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A 24-month quality improvement initiative utilizing the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Model for Improvement.
• Monthly tracking of invasive MRSA infections and process measures (environmental disinfection, personnel hygiene) using control charts.
• Monitoring of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, including visitation restrictions and heightened hygiene awareness.

Main Results:

• Invasive MRSA infections decreased from 0.131 to 0 per 1000 patient days, a reduction sustained for 30 months.
• A subsequent decrease in MRSA colonization rates was observed.
• Policy and practice changes in personnel hygiene and environmental cleaning were key contributing factors.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary quality improvement initiatives can significantly decrease invasive MRSA infections in NICUs.
• Effective infection prevention strategies can be maintained even amidst the challenges of a global pandemic like COVID-19.