TIP OF THE WEEK
The 4-1-1 on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
MRSA has been featured in the news and on television programs a great deal recently. Brush up on MRSA with this quick overview.
WHO GETS STAPH OR MRSA INFECTIONS?
Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among patients who undergo invasive medical procedures or who have weakened immune systems and are being treated in hospitals and healthcare facilities such as nursing homes and dialysis centers. MRSA in healthcare settings commonly causes serious and potentially life-threatening infections, such as bloodstream, surgical, or urinary tract infections, or pneumonia. In addition to healthcare-associated infections, MRSA can also infect people in the community at large.
HOW COMMON ARE STAPH AND MRSA INFECTIONS?
Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infection in the United States. The majority of MRSA infections occur among patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings; however, it is becoming more common in the community setting. Data from a prospective study in 2003 suggest that 12 percent of clinical MRSA infections are community-associated, but this varies by geographic region and population.
WHAT DOES A STAPH OR MRSA INFECTION LOOK LIKE?
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF FROM GETTING MRSA?
- Practice good hygiene. Keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and shower immediately after exercising.
- Cover skin trauma such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed.
- Avoid sharing personal items (e.g., towels, razors) that come into contact with your bare skin; and using a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches.
- Maintain a clean environment by establishing cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin.
For more information, go to the CDC Infection Control homepage.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Word Puzzles for Staff Education *NEW!
The Ohio KePRO Nursing Home Team has developed seven new word puzzles designed to help educate long-term care employees in the following areas:
- Falls
- Infection control and hand washing
- Pandemic preparedness
- Pressure ulcers
- Restraints
Insert the word puzzles into paychecks, incorporate them into the next staff in-service, or create an employee contest and reward those individuals who get 100 percent.
Copies of these word puzzles may be ordered or downloaded on the Ohio KePRO Shopping Bag. Cost: Free
IN THE NEWS
NEW CMS FEE-FOR-SERVICE E-MAIL UPDATES
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be offering a new e-mail update service that delivers Medicare information to fee-for-service (FFS) providers, suppliers, and their staffs’ inboxes. Visit the CMS Web site to sign up to receive updates relevant to Medicare FFS providers and suppliers and to receive information on related topics. This new service allows you to choose between many audience types and subjects of information, such as the National Provider Identifier (NPI), the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI), and Preventive Services. Read more >>
BLACK NURSING HOME RESIDENTS HOSPITALIZED MORE OFTEN THAN WHITES
November 1, 2007 -- Health Behavior News -- Although African-Americans make up only 11 percent of the nursing home population, they tend to be cared for in homes that serve a much higher percentage of African-Americans residents and end up in the hospital more often than white residents do, according to a new study of more than 500,000 residents in nearly 9,000 U.S. nursing homes. Read more >>
FINDING MAY EVENTUALLY HELP TAILOR TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION
November 7, 2007 -- University of Iowa Health Sciences -- A treatment that works for one person's depression may not work for another person's. Findings may one day help doctors know who will benefit from specific antidepressants, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. The study focused on a gene associated with the availability of serotonin, a chemical that at low levels can affect mood and sleep. Read more >>
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Cuyahoga Community College Fall 2007 Calendar:
Continuing Education for Gerontology Professionals
Medicare Learning Network:
Learning resources and products for the healthcare professional.
Alzheimer’s Association Training Events
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Courses
Ohio Department of Health, Technical Assistance Program – New Programs
Ohio Health Care Association Events
An archive of The Nursing Home Weekly Update is available on our Web site. Click here >>
