Journal article
A Network Model of Hand Hygiene: How Good Is Good Enough to Stop the Spread of MRSA?
Infection control and hospital epidemiology, v 38(8), pp 945-952
Aug 2017
PMID: 28656884
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simulation models have been used to investigate the impact of hand hygiene on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission within the healthcare setting, but they have been limited by their ability to accurately model complex patient-provider interactions. METHODS Using a network-based modeling approach, we created a simulated neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) representing the potential for per-hour infant-infant MRSA transmission via the healthcare worker resulting in subsequent colonization. The starting prevalence of MRSA colonized infants varied from 2% to 8%. Hand hygiene ranged from 0% (none) to 100% (theoretical maximum), with an expected effectiveness of 88% inferred from literature. RESULTS Based on empiric care provided within a 1-hour period, the mean number of infant-infant MRSA transmissible opportunities per hour was 1.3. Compared to no hand hygiene and averaged across all initial colonization states, colonization was reduced by approximately 29%, 51%, 67%, 80%, and 86% for the respective levels of hygiene: 24%, 48%, 68%, 88%, and 100%. Preterm infants had a 61% increase in MRSA colonization, and mechanically ventilated infants had a 27% increase. CONCLUSIONS Even under optimal hygiene conditions, horizontal transmission of MRSA is possible. Additional prevention paradigms should focus on the most acute patients because they are at greatest risk. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:945-952.
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Details
- Title
- A Network Model of Hand Hygiene: How Good Is Good Enough to Stop the Spread of MRSA?
- Creators
- Neal D Goldstein - Christiana Care Health SystemStephen C Eppes - Christiana Care Health SystemAmy Mackley - Christiana Care Health SystemDeborah Tuttle - Christiana Care Health SystemDavid A Paul - Christiana Care Health System
- Publication Details
- Infection control and hospital epidemiology, v 38(8), pp 945-952
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000406691100008
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85021410121
- Other Identifier
- 991020099179804721
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InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Web of Science research areas
- Infectious Diseases
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health