Implementation of isolation precautions: role of a targeted information flyer

Abstract

Isolation precautions are advocated in most countries for patients harbouring multi-drug-resistant organisms. We evaluated the impact of a targeted information flyer on the implementation of isolation precautions for patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A flyer providing a quick reference to the steps to be implemented following detection of MRSA was sent systematically by the microbiologists with all results displaying MRSA. Infection control staff compared isolation precautions in two three-month periods: the first (control) period before implementation of the flyer and the second (intervention) period after implementation of the flyer. Compared with the control period, compliance with isolation precautions increased significantly in the intervention period. In intensive care units, there was a sign posted on the door for 31 of 38 (82%) patients in the control period, and 33 out of 34 (97%) in the intervention period (P=0.06). Use of gowns increased from 82% to 100% (P=0.01), use of dedicated materials increased from 84% to 100% (P=0.03), availability of alcohol hand rub increased from 82% to 94% (P=0.10), and the proportion of MRSA patients in private rooms increased from 71% to 91% of the cases (P=0.07). In conclusion, compliance with isolation precautions increased after attaching a flyer to all MRSA-positive bacteriological results.