MRSA
Preventing MRSA: It’s In Our Hands Initiative
Regardless of the study being cited, the data paints a costly picture of MRSA and other healthcare acquired infections (HAIs). In summation, the cost is too high – both to the patient and their loved ones as well as the healthcare system. The evidence easily makes the business case that prevention is key.
Positive and effective change can occur but it requires a focused and determined effort. To succeed, organizations need to ramp up the practices and behaviors they already know will prevent the spread of infection. A return to basics, if you will. And that is what this work is about. The work being asked of each of us is one of consistency.
To consistently practice hand hygiene.
To consistently clean the environment and decontaminate it correctly.
To consistently “right-prescribe” antibiotics.
To consistently practice standard precautions when indicated.
And to consistently include our patients and their family members in these steps.
It really is as basic as that.
Preventing MRSA: It’s In Our Hands E-Learning Module
One of the best and most effective strategies to curtail MRSA is consistent and correct hand-washing. One of the best and most effective strategies to learning retention is interactive activities. We married these two items and developed an educational and interactive training suitable for all staff (and consumers too). Resolutions, www.rmgi.com, a local full service e-learning company, developed and donated an internet-based training module is available to all. Designed to be “everything you need to know about MRSA in ten minutes”, this is a touch-n-go training. Staff can view this in the leisure of their home through the internet. Employees can download, print and take the post test and turn it in to their supervisor to demonstrate participation and learning. To activate this online training module, click here
Preventing MRSA: It’s In Our Hands Toolkit
In response, AzHHA’s Safe and Sound program launched a statewide MRSA initiative, Preventing MRSA: It’s In Our Hands. The May 15 launch event challenges all healthcare organizations to implement strategies supported by evidence based practices that are known to reduce the incidence of MRSA. To support this challenge, a toolkit was developed that equips organizations with the resources and tools needed for this work. The toolkit includes:
- executive summary addressing the issue;
- an online education tool for staff (including a test to measure knowledge retention);
- a five minute video addressing the MRSA initiative;
- materials and a "how to" for staff education;
- competency checklist;
- patient education materials (in English and Spanish);
- monthly campaign posters for the next 12 months;
- antibiotic stewardship guide and "how to" information for establishing an antibiotic review committee; and
- patient refrigerator magnets about MRSA.
Click here to access the contents of the toolkit.
To view the MRSA Message Points, click here.
Click here for MRSA Launch Event Information.
Additional Resources
To view the MRSA Backgrounder, click here.
To view the MRSA Media Release, click here.
To view the MRSA Fact Sheet, click here.
To view the MRSA Media FAQ, click here.
To view the MRSA Consumer Brochure in English, click here.
To view the MRSA Consumer Brochure in Spanish, click here.
To view the MRSA Patient Brochure in English, click here.
To view the MRSA Patient Brochure in Spanish, click here.