Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Correctional Facilities: The Need for Infection Prevention Education

Abstract

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014: Abstract: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections are commonly associated with hospitalized patients. However, MRSA infection is not just in the hospitalized patients. Recently, the correctional facilities are one of the populations that experienced a rise in Community Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) and have witnessed increased outbreaks of MRSA. Until the 1990s, when (CA)-MRSA infection emerged in individuals with no hospital risk factors, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) was confined to hospitals settings and contacts (Malcolm, 2011). The increase in this outbreak in this population could be attributed to colonization (nasal) and multiple risk factors such as ventilation, closed environment and overcrowding. Community Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) is one of the leading cause of Sebaceous cyst, boil (skin and soft tissue) infections in most correction facility. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the use of standard precaution to help prevent the transmission of MRSA in the correction facilities (CDC, 2010). Raising awarness on the Identification of MRSA is vital to preventing the spread of this highly infectious bacterium. Increased awareness and education of staff and inmates in correctional facilities that will result in change in facilities treatment protocol and a practice change amogst employees and inmates in the facilties. This poster presentation will focus on increasing awareness, staff and inmate education, identificating and preventing of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) skin infection. Educate staff and inmate on prevention and treatment of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) prevention and treatment as recommended by regulatoryagencies such as Center for Disease Control, National Commission for Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and the Bureau of Prisons. Establish facilities policy and procedure of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) management and provide staff and inmates education to promote compliance. The poster will conclude with recommendations from evidenced based research regarding treatment protocol.