Authors' objectives:

This Health Technology Assessment (HTA) considers evidence indicating the possible clinical and cost effectiveness benefits associated with MRSA screening programmes, and assesses the potential impact of the findings in terms of patient management procedures, the patients themselves and the National Health Service in Scotland (NHSScotland).

Authors' recommendations: Recommendations Recommendation 1 A primary study should be set up in acute inpatient care within a whole NHS Board area (which should include a tertiary referral hospital and one or more large general hospitals) to assess whether screening all patients for MRSA is effective in preventing MRSA infection as predicted by the economic model. Data from this study should be collected for at least one year to decide whether MRSA screening results in a reduction in prevalence of MRSA. The Scottish Government* should fund and manage this study. Recommendation 2 There is currently insufficient evidence on staff MRSA transmission to determine an appropriate schedule of screening and subsequent management. Therefore, current guidelines indicating screening on occasion of unexplained outbreaks should be followed. Further research of the extent and implications of staff colonisation is urgently required. Recommendation 3 Systems should be developed to collect patient-based data on the prevalence of MRSA colonisation and infection to determine the effectiveness of infection control strategies. The resource implications of establishing such systems are recognised, however, these are necessary to plan and evaluate future strategies to control MRSA. Recommendation 4 High-quality patient information on MRSA, the purposes of screening and methods to achieve infection control should be distributed to all patients and relatives on admission to hospital. Recommendation 5 Care of patients isolated as a result of MRSA colonisation or infection should not result in their being or feeling unnecessarily disadvantaged. Much distress will be avoided with high-quality patient information and effective communication between healthcare staff and patients about their condition and its management.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nhsqis.org.uk/nhsqis/controller?p_service=Content.show&p_appl ic=CCC&pContentID=3780

Year Published: 2007

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Scotland

Organisation Name: Quality Improvement Scotland

Contact Address: Delta House, 50 West Nile Street Glasgow G1 2NP Scotland United Kingdom Tel: +44 141 225 6988; Fax: +44 141 221 3262

Contact Name: shtg.hcis@nhs.net

Contact Email: shtg.hcis@nhs.net

Copyright: NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS)