Common themes emerge in hospitals' anti-MRSA efforts.
In 2006, five Indianapolis-area hospitals began a systematic implementation of practices known to reduce the spread of MRSA, including active surveillance, hand hygiene, patient isolation, and the use of protective equipment like gowns and gloves. A group of researchers led by Dr. Brad Doebbeling then interviewed team members from each hospital to identify common themes of successful implementation shared by all hospitals. The interviews produced five core themes common to all hospitals: Engage front line staff in implementation. Build a multi-disciplinary implementation team. Commit to data collection, management, and feedback. Acquire support of top management. Use process mapping and other problem-solving tools.
