Background
The study objective is to describe infection control policies aimed at multidrug-resistant
organisms (MDRO) in California hospitals and assess the relationship among these policies,
structural characteristics, and rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile infections.
Methods
Data on infection control policies, structural characteristics, and MDRO rates were
collected through a 2010 survey of California infection control departments. Bivariate
and multivariable Poisson and negative binomial regressions were conducted.
Results
One hundred eighty hospitals provided data (response rate, 54%). Targeted MRSA screening
upon admission was reported by the majority of hospitals (87%). The majority of hospitals
implemented contact precautions for confirmed MDRO and C difficile patients; presumptive isolation/contact precautions for patients with pending screens
were less frequently implemented. Few infection control policies were associated with
lower MDRO rates. Hospitals with a certified infection control director had significantly
lower rates of MRSA bloodstream infections (P < .05).
Conclusion
Although most California hospitals are involved in activities to decrease MDRO, there
is variation in specific activities utilized with the most focus placed on MRSA. This
study highlights the importance of certification and its significant impact on infection
rates. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
Key Words
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Article Info
Footnotes
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
