Staphylococcal bacteria ("staph") are all around us and are spread by touch. They are prevalent in hospital settings, where patients' immune systems may be weakened due to surgery, injury or illness. Staph bacteria can cause infection, and some staph are resistant to antibiotics, which make them difficult to treat. Many people are carriers of the bacteria and don't know it because they will never display symptoms. Therefore, staph bacteria can be spread unknowingly.

Putting a stop to these infections has long been a priority for health care organizations across the country. Early adopters of aggressive screening and isolation efforts are having a positive impact. However, the rapid emergence of community-acquired MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) in patients with no prior exposure to health care institutions or other risk factors poses a serious new challenge to the nation's hospitals. INTEGRIS Health is joining other leading health care organizations to address this challenge.

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center and INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in Yukon are beginning to screen patients in select locations or in high-risk groups to determine whether they are carrying MRSA.

Once the patients are identified, everyone entering the room will be expected to follow "Contact Precautions" to ensure the bacteria are not spread to other patients. This will include wearing protective attire such as gloves, gowns or masks when in contact with the patient and having visitors report to the nurses' station before entering the patient's room.

Treatment for carriers of MRSA is usually not recommended, though patients with active infections will continue to be treated. "Th e hope is that these actions will not only reduce staph infections but will also educate the public and raise awareness," says Vadakepat Ramgopal, M.D., medical director, Infectious Disease, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center.

This program is just another way INTEGRIS is working to continually improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Proper Self-care Steps Make a Difference
When a patient identified as having a MRSA infection is released from the hospital, they are encouraged to do the following:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rubs and insist others do the same.
• Keep wounds and sores covered with clean, dry bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, towels or clothing.
• Wash soiled linens and clothes with hot water and use the hot setting of the clothes dryer.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact until any sores are healed.
• Always tell future health care providers if you have been identified with MRSA.

To Learn More About MRSA
For more information about MRSA, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov.

INTEGRIS Health 3300 N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 949-3011 | HealthLine: (888) 951-2277