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Veterans Affairs initiative to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Jain R, Kralovic SM, Evans ME, et al. Veterans Affairs initiative to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(15):1419-30. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1007474.

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April 27, 2011
Jain R, Kralovic SM, Evans ME, et al. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(15):1419-30.

Health care–associated infections remain one of the most common preventable adverse events in hospitals, despite some successes at reducing rates of specific infections. Preventing infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a difficult problem, as studies of prevention techniques have reached conflicting results. This large-scale study of an MRSA prevention bundle implemented in the Veterans Affairs system found that a multifaceted approach including universal screening, contact isolation precautions, and an emphasis on infection control as part of safety culture resulted in a significant reduction in MRSA infections in both intensive care and ward patients. Although the overall incidence of hospital-acquired MRSA infections has been decreasing nationwide, the effects of these infections can be devastating—as vividly described in this AHRQ WebM&M commentary.

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Jain R, Kralovic SM, Evans ME, et al. Veterans Affairs initiative to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(15):1419-30. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1007474.

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