MRSA Isolation
Only five percent of hospitals have an MRSA isolation ward for people suffering from the deadly superbug MRSA. This seems like a really low number, considering most everyone thinks MRSA isolation precautions are a good idea. If nothing else, MRSA contact isolation should be used in which nobody makes physical contact with the person who has MRSA.
MRSA Patient Isolation
This is the big dilema about MRSA isolation precautions. Is the MRSA patient going to get adequate care if he or she is isolated? Some research shows the answer is probably not. Because of this, many believe MRSA patients should not be isolated but the health care providers and everyone involved should stick to a strict level of hygiene to prevent the MRSA from spreading. That being said, it has also been proven that MRSA infection numbers go down when patients are isolated in private hospital rooms. At United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, which will move in two years to a new, all-private room facility off exit 124 of Interstate 79, the proportion of patients who are cultured and found to have MRSA versus all staph infections has remained somewhat lower than the national average, at 55 percent, said Mark Povroznik, UHC’s director of quality initiatives and chairman of infection control. “It’s been climbing across the nation over the last 10 years,” he said. “It’s been slowly increasing but it’s about leveled out nationally at 60 percent. Nursing homes, however, where you have more risk factors, the range is about 70 percent.”
Is MRSA Isolation even necessary?
Some doctors and scientists do not think MRSA isolation is necessary. In fact, they don't think the MRSA patients should even be in the hospital in the first place. Many MRSA patients could be treated at home, experts have said. Some MRSA experts have said those with MRSA were unlikely to spread the bug to healthy people and could take antibiotics at home. But one leading expert in the field warned the plan may not be safe for everyone.
Why MRSA Isolation can actually harm isolation patients
Some MRSA patients who are isolated feel imprisoned and depressed. They fear the unknown and what the future holds for them, and being pinned up in isolation causes them additional stress and adds to their situation. It is a lonely experience for them and it makes it even more important that doctors check in on them regularly to keep their spirits high. MRSA isolation also takes a toll on the family members of the patient. However, the statistics do not lie. An 85% drop in MRSA infections due to isolation wards sure does make one think MRSA isolation is actually better than the alternative.
For more information about MRSA isolation precautions or MRSA isolation guidelines consult your doctor or health professional.
Helpful MRSA Links MRSA symptoms / MRSA Treatment
Is it safe to have several patients with MRSA living and eating amongst other patients who have horrible hygiene habits. They are mentally ill and they can barely bath themselves. I work in a setting where the recipients are grouped together all day and the contaminated ones will not keep their bandages on and they pick at the sores. One has it on his ear and uses the public patient phone. He even fondles some of their food trays.We use to contain MRSA patients in isolation but for some reason that was stopped. Several employees have gotten MRSA and one patient lost a finger to it within monthe of each other. Its kind of scary. Can you give me some info on how to handle this? Alot of people are worried. Thank You