RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Reduction in the incidence of hospital-acquired MRSA following the introduction of a chlorine dioxide 275 ppm based disinfecting agent in a district general hospital
JF European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
JO Eur J Hosp Pharm
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 28
OP 32
DO 10.1136/ejhpharm-2014-000608
VO 23
IS 1
A1 Geraldine Conlon-Bingham
A1 Mamoon Aldeyab
A1 Mary P Kearney
A1 Michael G Scott
A1 Naomi Baldwin
A1 James C McElnay
YR 2016
UL http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/23/1/28.abstract
AB Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile are major nosocomial pathogens whose control relies on effective antimicrobial stewardship and infection control practices. This study evaluates the impact of a chlorine dioxide-based disinfectant (275 ppm) on the incidence of hospital-acquired (HA) MRSA and HA-Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in a district general hospital.Methods This study was carried out from November 2009 to September 2013. From November 2009 to October 2011 sodium dichloroisocyanurate was used for routine environmental disinfection. In November 2011, this was changed to a chlorine dioxide 275 ppm based disinfectant. This product was introduced into the hospital in a phased manner with intensive training on its use provided to all nursing, nursing auxiliary and hotel services staff. The effect of this change on the incidence of HA-MRSA and HA-CDI was assessed using segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series. In addition, the potential cost savings as a result of this intervention were assessed.Results The HA-MRSA trend from November 2009 to October 2011 significantly increased (p=0.006). Following the introduction of the chlorine dioxide-based disinfectant there was significant decrease in the HA-MRSA trend, with the monthly incidence being reduced by 0.003 cases/100 bed days (p=0.001), equating to an average of four cases per month after 12 months of use This resulted in an annual potential cost saving of £276 000. No significant effect on the incidence of HA-CDI was observed (coefficient −0.03; p=0.873).Conclusion This study highlights the importance of effective environmental inanimate surface decontamination in controlling the spread of MRSA and the potential cost savings that can be achieved through decreasing HA-MRSA rates.