文摘
Purpose Data regarding the implementation of state-of-the-art methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) control procedures in Italy are lacking. There is a need to evaluate compliance with MRSA recommendations (CR) in Italian hospitals. Methods A 67-question closed-answer survey was sent to all Italian hospitals, in order to analyze and evaluate program consistency with CR [hand hygiene (HH), contact precautions, screening of high-risk patients, decolonization, feedback on surveillance data, and antimicrobial guidelines and education programs]. Results 205 hospitals, which account for 42?% of national admissions, returned questionnaires. 131 hospitals (64?%) did not have written MRSA control guidelines. Hospitals reported the following levels of compliance with CR: (1) HH: 67 hospitals (33?%); (2) contact precautions: 33 (16?%); (3) MRSA screening: 66 (32?%); (4) MRSA decolonization: 42 (20?%); (5) surveillance data feedback: 87 (43?%); and (6) antimicrobial guidelines and education programs: 41 (20?%). One hospital (0.5?% of responses) had implemented all recommendations and 28 hospitals (14?%) had implemented four or five recommendations. 31?% of hospitals surveyed had implemented none. Multivariate analysis showed that the only factor identified as being associated with the implementation of MRSA control recommendations was the number of meetings/year of the infection control team (ICT) (p?=?0.004). Conclusions Written MRSA control guidelines are available in only one-third of Italian facilities. An organized system, with ? interventions, has been implemented in just 1 out of 7 hospitals. HH programs and ICT activity are related to better MRSA control. In Italy, there is significant opportunity for improvement in MRSA control.