Reducing MRSA transmission in the NICU: A quality improvement project

Colonization with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a known risk factor for developing a MRSA infection. A vulnerable population that is at risk for developing MRSA infection is patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Unfortunately, there is not a standard guideline to prevent this spread, so protocols among hospitals vary widely. However, there are many evidence-based interventions that are recommended to decrease the development of MRSA colonization in non-infected patients. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative is to examine, discuss, and evaluate the success of the using these interventions in decreasing MRSA transmission to non-infected patients. Results from this qualitative improvement project showed a decrease in MRSA transmission to non-infected patients when staff members were educated and strictly followed a prevention protocol. This suggests that constant reinforcement is needed to implement protocols and success is widely dependent on protocol compliance.