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A Network Model of Hand Hygiene: How Good Is Good Enough to Stop the Spread of MRSA?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2017

Neal D. Goldstein ,
Stephen C. Eppes ,
Amy Mackley ,
Deborah Tuttle  and
David A. Paul
Neal D. Goldstein*
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware Value Institute, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware
Stephen C. Eppes
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware
Amy Mackley
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware
Deborah Tuttle
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware
David A. Paul
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware Value Institute, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware
*
Address correspondence to Neal D. Goldstein, Department of Pediatrics, Christiana Care Health System, 4745 Ogletown-Stanton Road, MAP 1, Suite 116, Newark, DE 19713 ([email protected]).
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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

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 38 , Issue 8 , August 2017 , pp. 945 - 952
Copyright
© 2017 by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. All rights reserved 

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Footnotes

PREVIOUS PRESENTATION. This paper was selected for the Lilienfeld Postdoctoral Prize Paper Award at the Society for Epidemiologic Research 2017 Annual Meeting, June 20-23, 2017, in Seattle, Washington.

References

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