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In 2003, 63-year-old Marion Costa was rushed to the hospital for treatment of a life threatening gastrointestinal bleed. She had to be treated for three different infections: MRSA, a blood infection and C-Difficile. She has been a key activist pushing for passage of a hospital infection reporting bill in her home state of New Jersey. The bill was passed by the legislature and is currently on the governor's desk for signature.
Archive for MRSA
Click here for State Disclosure Reports
Consumers Union Documents
- Response to Consumer Reports' questions from Fremont-Rideout Health Group Source: Consumer Reports (Wednesday September 30, 2015)
The Low-Down Dozen: Hospital responses to CR (Marysville, CA)
- Response to Consumer Reports' questions from Venice Regional Bayfront Health Source: Consumer Reports (Monday September 28, 2015)
The Low-Down Dozen: Hospital responses to CR (Venice, FL)
- Response to Consumer Reports' questions from UF Health Jacksonville Source: Consumer Reports (Monday September 28, 2015)
The Low-Down Dozen: Hospital responses to CR (UF Health Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL)
- Response to Consumer Reports' questions from St. Petersburg General Hospital Source: Consumer Reports (Monday September 28, 2015)
The Low-Down Dozen: Hospital responses to CR (St. Petersburg General Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL)
- Response to Consumer Reports' questions from Rockdale Medical Center Source: Consumer Reports (Monday September 28, 2015)
The Low-Down Dozen: Hospital responses to CR (Rockdale Medical Center, Conyers, GA)
- Response to Consumer Reports' questions from Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers Source: Consumer Reports (Monday September 28, 2015)
The Low-Down Dozen: Hospital responses to CR (Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers, Evergreen Park, IL)
- Response to Consumer Reports' questions from Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health Services Source: Consumer Reports (Monday September 28, 2015)
The Low-Down Dozen: Hospital responses to CR (Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health Services, New Albany, IN)
- Response to Consumer Reports' questions from Brooklyn Hospital Center Source: Consumer Reports (Monday September 28, 2015)
The Low-Down Dozen: Hospital responses to CR (Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY)
- Safe Patient Project activist Kathy Day featured in "Inside Consumer Reports" newsletter Source: Consumer Reports (Friday September 12, 2014)
Kathy Day's patient safety activism highlighted. Kathy lost her father to hospital-acquired MRSA and has been working to improve patient safety ever since.
- Consumers Union and Washington Advocates for Patient Safety comments on the WA hospital infection reporting program Source: Consumers Union (Friday July 12, 2013)
Consumers Union and Washington Advocates for Patient Safety submitted comments on the WA Dept of Health legislative draft report on the hospital infection reporting program.
- Quick Steps for Searching Hospital Compare Infection Information
Central Line Bloodstream Infection Information Now Available for Hospitals Nationwide Instructions for Finding Out About Your Hospital: The Department of Health & Human Services is now disclosing for the first time information to compare central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in intensive care units at hospitals across the country. Three months of CLABSI information for Continue Reading
- Spreading Germs: Low Rates of Flu Vaccination Among California Healthcare Workers Put Patients at Risk (PDF)
Consumers Union Report shows California Department of Public Health is falling behind on collecting and publishing dangerously low vaccination rates to the public.
- Consumer Reports Health: Many Hospitals Fail To Lower Infection Rates Despite Lifesaving Checklist
New online ratings provide patients with easy access to hospital infection rates, a first for consumers
- Consumers Union "To Err Is Human, To Delay Is Deadly" Webcast
On November 17, 2009, Consumers Union hosted a forum in Washington DC based on the 10-year anniversary of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 1999 study on medical harm challenging our health system's progress on preventing medical harm 10 years later. We released a report earlier in the year on this
- State's request for federal (ARRA) funding of plans to fight hospital acquired infections
Links to state grant submissions from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act stimulus money for hospital-acquired infection plans.
- Health and Human Services Grants for hospital infection prevention at surgical centers
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius designates ARRA money to stand-alone or same-day surgical centers to fight hospital infections in 12 states.
- Consumers Union Report: Cutting Surgical Infections
Look up your hospital's record on preventing surgical infections.
- Congressional Legislation 111th concerning hospital infections
Congressional Legislation 111th concerning hospital infection reporting and antibiotic resistant (MRSA) infection detection and prevention
- Consumers Union Letter in Support of National MRSA Bill
Consumers Union supports H.R. 2937, "The MRSA Infection Prevention and Patient Protection Act."
- Consumers Union MRSA Policy Brief
Consumers Union MRSA Policy Brief
- State Hospital Infection Public Reporting Laws
Summary of state laws hospital infection reporting laws.
- To Err is Human - To Delay is Deadly
Ten years later, a million lives lost, billions of dollars wasted
- Legislation, 110th Congress
Hospital-acquired infection public reporting bills and antibiotic resistant protection and prevention bills under consideration in Congress.
- Dangerous bacterial infections are on the rise
What you can do to counter the trend and stay safe.
- Drug-resistant bug
A virulent, antibiotic-resistant bug that's spread largely by poor hospital hygiene and can cause potentially deadly infections is much more common than previously believed.
- Drug-resistant staph infections
Infections pose risk to health for adults and kids
Consumers Union News Releases
- Consumers Union Finds Slow Progress on Patient Safety in California
California Department of Public Health Has Failed to Carry Out Key Requirements of Recent Patient Safety Laws
- New York report details hospital infection rates
Infection program serves as model because NY invested resources to assist hospitals and validate data
- MRSA screening bill pushed in Congress
CU endorses bills in Congress to screen patients for MRSA and report infection rates to public
- Reporting infections improves patient safety
New Pennsylvania study shows 8 percent drop in hospital acquired infections between 2006 and 2007.
Blog Posts
- California Releases New Report on Hospital Infection Rates
A report by the California Department of Public Health, makes California a national leader on public reporting of infections.
- Consumer voices to be heard at national hospital infection meeting
Meet the eleven consumer advocates who will be attending a U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)hospital infection meeting this week.
- "Please, don't infect me"
Hospital infection survivor and "numerator," Kerry O'Connell describes the emotional and physical impact of hospital infection on patients and calls for more empathy and honesty from our health care providers.
- "It's not just statistics…it's somebody's Mom"
Hospital infections leave a lasting impact on the individuals and families who had to experience them. For Mary Brennan-Taylor, hospital infections took the life of her mother, Alice Brennan, who passed away in 2009 after entering the hospital for pain and swelling in her leg.
- Beware of Scary Superbugs in Your Hospital
It only takes three things for a hospital superbug to infect a patient. Should you be concerned?
- MRSA Study Indicates Good News But Far Too Many Patients Suffering
Last week's good news of a decline in serious MRSA health care-acquired infections, is a victory for patient safety, but we still have a long way to go to eliminate this very preventable crisis.
- Victory for patients! Public reporting of certain infections will go nationwide
Soon it will be easier for you to find out how well your hospital prevents certain infections. As part of the new health care reform law, the Department of Health and Human Services will require hospitals to publicly disclose several types of dangerous hospital infections.
- Patient safety activists hold "conversation" with CDC
On June 16, Consumers Union's Safe Patient Project and 11 patient safety advocates from 10 states attended the first "Consumer Conversation on Healthcare-Associated Infections" at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
- Septicemia Statistics and the Need for Death Certificate Reform
Guest blog by Lori Nerbonne of NH Patient Voices–Death certificates are the primary source of important vital statistics in our country – yet too many certificates fail to tell the whole story.
- California Moving Too Slow On Patient Safety Progress
Since 2006, California lawmakers have passed laws to improve patient safety, yet the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been moving at turtle speed to enforce these laws.
- Let's talk about MRSA
Learn about MRSA from the people who have had personal experiences with this harmful superbug.
- MRSA at the Beach
What if a fun trip to the beach meant you'd be exposed to MRSA? As recently reported by USA TODAY, researchers have identified this antibiotic-resistant MRSA superbug on five beaches in Washington State.
- Dead by Mistake
Check out this new collection of medical errors reporting: "Dead by Mistake"
- House health reform bill tackles hospital infections
Our message caught on! A coalition of House Democrats have included public reporting of hospital-acquired infections in their reform bill (HR 3200), and reducing payment to hospitals that aren't doing enough to prevent infections.
- In Honor of Patients
Join patient safety advocates across the country tomorrow to observe Patient Safety Day.
- Patient Safety Activists Represent Consumers at Presidential Health Care Forum
Four patient safety activists – all who have been personally affected by medical harm – were among the 164 participants in ABC's televised health care forum held with President Obama. Understandably, they came armed with questions but didn't get to ask them. So we wanted to give them a chance to get their questions in front of the public and lawmakers here on this blog.
- Insight from California Safe Patient Network
Guest blogger, Holly Harris from San Diego, shares what she learned at the California Safe Patient Network meeting and calls on us to join and spread the word about preventable medical harm.
- Secretary Sebelius calls on hospitals to fight hospital-acquired infections
Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, tells hospitals to take "basic steps to fight infections" that harm millions of patients every year and add billions to our nation's health care costs.
- Breaking News: Handwashing Saves Lives
We have said many times that handwashing makes a difference in stopping hospital acquired infections. Like us, President Obama acknowledges the importance of hand hygiene to prevent illness.
- Activists speak out at Presidential health care forum
Your stories matter. We are listening—and we're getting those at the highest levels of government to listen, too.
- Raise your hand if you've had a hospital-acquired infection
More people know about hospital acquired infections and medical errors than you might think, and not just from watching Oprah.
- Drop in some MRSA infections in ICUs
A new JAMA study confirms what we've been saying all along: public reporting of hospital infections leads to reduction of infections!
- Seattle PI: U.S. pigs and farmers carry MRSA but federal food safety agencies are doing little to see if the pork is safe
Seattle PI reports on a new study that found pigs and workers on several Midwestern farms are colonized with MRSA.
- HHS releases plan to prevent health care-associated infections
This week the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services released its "Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections" which sets five-year prevention targets for six major types of infection. Such as (from Table 1):
• A 30% reduction in C. difficile
• A 25% reduction in urinary catheter infections
• A 50% reduction in MRSA infections
- 20 Things You Didn't Know About…Hygiene
Here's one thing you might not know: On average, doctors and nurses clean their hands between patients only 50% of the time.
- MRSA series: Culture of Resistance
The Seattle Times' new three-part series on MRSA, the antibiotic-resistant superbug that's killing thousands of hospital patients every year made me want to wash my hands over and over like Lady Macbeth.
- "I don't want to die (in the hospital)"
While he may not be singing about hospital infections specifically, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band humorously assemble the jolting anxiety we'd feel as a hospital patient trying to get out…
- SC activist Dianne Parker fights for safer care
Dianne Parker became a lead patient safety activist after her husband, Willie, died from a combination of medical errors and a hospital-acquired MRSA infection. Watch her story…
- The better half: California hospital infection reporting bills signed into law!
California becomes 25th state to require public reporting of hospital infections and 4th state to require MRSA screening of certain patients.
- MRSA takes its toll on father and son
Following a bike accident, Jimmy Jr. needed knee surgery hoping to be strong enough to play high school football. Instead he acquired MRSA…
- CA activist Carole Moss leads effort on hospital infection bills
Carole Moss has been a lead advocate on the effort to pass legislation requiring California hospitals to report their infection rates available to the public. The bill is named after her son, Nile, who died of MRSA, an antibiotic resistant superbug. The legislation also requires screening of patients for MRSA and isolating those that have it.
- Survivor turned movement leader: Meet Alicia
Alicia Cole, an actress and hospital infection survivor, last Friday launched her own initiative to finally pass an infection reporting law in California.
News Articles
- Hospital-Related Infections Hit Nearly 650,000 Patients in 2011: CDC Source: HealthDay (Wednesday March 26, 2014)
"About one of every 25 U.S. hospital patients contracts an infection during their stay, and doctors can't say for certain why half those infections occur, according to a new study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
- NPR: Fewer People Are Getting Infections In Hospitals, But Many Still Die Source: NPR (Wednesday March 26, 2014)
NPR covers the new CDC report on hospital infections. "Hospital-acquired infections continue to be a big problem in health care, with 4 percent of patients getting a new infection while hospitalized, a study finds. And 11 percent of those infections turn deadly."
- One in 25 patients battling hospital-acquired infections: CDC Source: Reuters (Wednesday March 26, 2014)
"On any given day, one in 25 hospitalized patients – 4 percent – is battling an infection picked up in a hospital or other healthcare facility, according to a new survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."
- CDC Director: Hospital infections down but still deadly, dangerous Source: FoxNews (Wednesday March 26, 2014)
CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden writes a piece for FoxNews on the dangers of hospital infections. The CDC released a progress report on hospital infections today that found some progress in reducing hospital infections but more work needs to be done. Dr. Frieden shares five patient stories on hospital infections, including stories from advocates in Consumers Union's Safe Patient Project network.
- Olympia man suing Veterans Administration after he contracted MRSA Source: The News Tribune (Sunday February 23, 2014)
"I came in with a simple fracture and I came out without a leg." – Vietnam vet
- Herd Immunity: Veterans Affairs beating MRSA with simple weapons Source: Reporting on Health (Friday February 14, 2014)
Bill Heisel (Reporting on Health) writes about the remarkable success of VA hospitals reducing MRSA infections; with stunning results in KY; but other hospitals in KY are not choosing to replicate the success, which includes screening patients for MRSA.
- Presentation by Kevin Kavanagh before the Kentucky House Health & Welfare Committee: Public Reporting of Healthcare Associated Infections Source: Health Watch USA (Friday January 10, 2014)
Link to the testimony video and PowerPoint Slides from Kevin Kavanagh's presentation on hospital acquired infections and multi-drug resistant organisms to the Kentucky House Health and Welfare Cmt. Jan. 9, 2014.
- MRSA Infection Rates Drop in Veterans Affairs Long-Term Care Facilities Source: Infection Control Today (Monday January 6, 2014)
APIC Study: A MRSA prevention program implemented nationwide in 133 VA long-term care facilities has shown a dramatic decrease in MRSA infections (36% overall reduction). The MRSA prevention program utilizes a bundled approach that includes screening every patient for MRSA, use of gowns and gloves when caring for patients colonized or infected with MRSA, hand hygiene, and an institutional culture change focusing on individual responsibility for infection control.
- Deadly MRSA bacteria expands its reach in Kentucky, U.S. Source: Courier Journal (Wednesday December 18, 2013)
"A man was diagnosed with MRSA and had to stay in a Kentucky hospital for 45 days battling the life-threatening illness. Cases of community-acquired strains of MRSA seem to be rising, and doctors are finding out why."
- Superbugs stalk Hub hospitals Source: Boston Herald (Tuesday December 31, 2014)
Boston Herald reports: "The federal government's first release of data detailing the spread of deadly, antibiotic-resistant superbugs shows that even in and around Boston's health-care mecca, hospitals are lagging dangerously, with hundreds of Bay State patients being infected in just the first quarter of 2013."
- CMS release: Public gets early snapshot of MRSA and C. difficile infections in individual hospitals Source: CMS (Thursday December 12, 2013)
"New data posted today and gathered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) gives patients a first look at how their local hospitals are doing at preventing Clostridium difficile infections (deadly diarrhea) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections."
- Hospital-Acquired Infections Decreased in Calif. Hospitals, Data Show Source: California Healthline (Thursday December 5, 2013)
"The number of hospital-acquired infections reported at California health care facilities dropped slightly from 2011 to 2012, according to data released by the California Department of Public Health, Payers & Providers reports."
- More on the antibiotic crisis: Could our government possibly screw up worse than this? Source: ACSH (Thursday November 14, 2013)
Post by American Council on Science and Health regarding Kevin Kavanagh's study on MRSA rates in US hospitals and the lack of necessary hospital procedures to control its spread.
- Op-ed by Kevin Kavanagh: Ky. Voices: Better monitoring needed in a post-antibiotic era Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (Thursday July 11, 2013)
Op-ed co-written by Kevin Kavanagh. Dr. Kevin T. Kavanagh of Somerset is a physician and board director of Health Watch USA. He writes: "Mandatory reporting of bacteria that are developing resistance is needed to determine how effectively they are being controlled and where they are coming from."
- CDC: MRSA study slashes deadly infections in sickest hospital patients Source: CDC (Wednesday May 29, 2013)
Bloodstream infections cut by more than 40 percent in study of over 74,000 patients using germ-killing soap and ointment on all ICU patients. This HHS-funded study (REDUCE MRSA trial) was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
- With Money at Risk, Hospitals Push Staff to Wash Hands Source: NYT (Tuesday May 28, 2013)
US hospitals still need to monitor health care workers hand washing compliance.
- AP reports on hospital superbugs and cleaning efforts - advocate Christian Lillis quoted Source: Associated Press (Monday April 29, 2013)
AP reports on hospital superbugs and cleaning efforts. Christian Lillis, member of CU's Safe Patient Project, is quoted in the article. Christian started the Peggy Lillis Memorial Foundation after the death of his mother from C.diff.
- MRSA Exposure Prompts Courtroom Closing & Sanitizing Source: San Diego 6 (Tuesday April 2, 2013)
MRSA shuts down courtroom
- Drug-resistant staph infections increasing at a slower pace Source: Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (Thursday February 28, 2013)
The growth of MRSA-related hospitalizations was stagnant between 2005 and 2009; Community-associated infections peak in the summer, likely due to seasonal antibiotic overuse.
- GCN radio interview with Michael Bennett, patient safety advocate Source: GCN Live (Monday February 25, 2013)
GCN live interviews Michael Bennett, patient safety advocate in Maryland, about issues relating to MRSA and other hospital infections.
- Study By VA Doctors Sheds Light On MRSA Prevention Source: WRIC (Wednesday February 6, 2013)
New study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that baby wipes containing a chemical called Chlorhexidine reduced MRSA cases by 23 percent and blood infections by 28 percent while patients are in the hospital.
- New MRSA superbug strain found in UK milk supply Source: The Independent (Wednesday December 26, 2012)
Research reveals that antibiotic-resistant organisms are gaining a hold on dairy industry
- Scientists halt deadly MRSA outbreak by cracking genetic code and tracking down carrier in breakthrough that could save hundreds of lives each year Source: Daily Mail (Wednesday November 14, 2012)
Cambridge scientists used the technology to identify a member of staff unwittingly spreading the infection. By identifying the bacterial strains, experts were able to halt the infection.
- Man who had arms, legs amputated sues Sutter Health Source: Sacramento Bee (Friday November 16, 2012)
Story of a man who had his hands and legs amputated because of a MSSA infection (a "cousin of MRSA") that he says the hospital failed to diagnose and treat properly, even though his son had been treated for a similar infection at the hospital weeks earlier.
- Soap, Swabs Slash Infection Rates by 44% Source: HealthLeaders Media (Friday October 19, 2012)
A study conducted at 43 HCA-affiliated community hospitals saw bloodstream infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), drop by 44% when all ICU patients were subjected to daily "universal decolonization" using antimicrobial soap and nasal swabs.
- Mom says hospital gave son MRSA; infection spread to entire family Source: Fox (Wednesday October 3, 2012)
California 1-month-old baby gets infected after surgery and it spreads to entire family.
- Common antibiotic boosts spread of deadly superbug Source: Indian Express (Saturday September 22, 2012)
New research has found that cases of MRSA – a bacteria that causes serious infections of the skin, blood, lungs and bones – decreased when prescriptions of ciprofloxacin were reduced, suggesting that the common antibiotic is helping the deadly superbug spread through hospitals.
- Herd Immunity: NICU Babies Catch MRSA at Sacramento Hospital Source: Reporting on Health (Wednesday September 19, 2012)
A California hospital tests babies in its NICU in August and more than 20 tested positive for MRSA.
- MRSA Cases in Alaska Increase Part I Source: KTVA (Monday May 2, 2011)
In light of the 2011 outbreak of MRSA infections in Alaska hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, tracking infection cases is vital, yet the state does not require reporting of hospital infections to the public.
- MRSA Cases in Alaska Increase, Part II Source: KTVA (Tuesday May 3, 2011)
Alaska's health department does not track cases of MRSA infection or other hospital infections because there is no law requiring hospitals to report infections to the public or state health department.
- Staph infections plague Providence infant care unit Source: Anchorage Daily News (Thursday June 2, 2011)
2011 MRSA outbreak in Alaska hospital's newborn intensive care unit.
- Review finds hospital-acquired infections went unreported Source: California Watch (Friday August 10, 2012)
California public health authorities who reviewed 100 hospitals found that the facilities failed to report as many as a third of the infections they should have reported in 2011 under the state's public reporting law. Safe Patient Project director Lisa McGiffert quoted.
- MRSA on the Rise: Infections Have Doubled in 5 Years Source: The Atlantic (Monday July 30, 2012)
More people checking into hospitals with MRSA than those with either HIV or influenza, combined
- An end to silence Source: The Herald-Palladium (Monday July 16, 2012)
Michigan mom thinks public should know about deadly 'Superbug' that went undetected and almost killed her son
- Study: MRSA infections down among Tricare patients Source: AHA News (Friday July 6, 2012)
MRSA infection rates declined among Tricare inpatients and outpatients between 2005 and 2010, according to a study in the July 4 Journal of the American Medical Association.
- Israeli scientists find new strain of MRSA bacteria spreading in Gaza City Source: Haaretz (Monday June 18, 2012)
Antibiotic-resistant bug may spread through cats, say researchers.
- Study IDs Risk Factors for Fatal MRSA Source: MedPage Today (Wednesday June 13, 2012)
The risk of death from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia increased significantly with age, nursing home residence, and organ impairment, researchers found.
- Lack of Hospital Infection Reporting Mandate Leaves Patients at Risk
"This pick-and-choose infection reporting strategy hurts patients. Failing to fully track surgical site infections provides incomplete safety information."
- Herd Immunity: Better Definitions and Better Data Could Help Stop Superbugs Source: Reporting on Health (Friday March 23, 2012)
We know more about cows in remote ranches than drug-resistant infections in thousands of healthcare facilities nationwide.
- Kevin Kavanagh and Daniel Saman | Hospital infections are underreported Source: Courier-Journal (Tuesday January 31, 2012)
Op-ed co-published by Dr. Kevin T. Kavanagh, founder of Health Watch USA. "A functioning public reporting system is desperately needed, as Kentucky's current reporting system is broken," wrote Kavanagh.
- Video: Toxic Megacolon Superbug Source: YouTube (Tuesday February 8, 2011)
Video on MRSA and C. diff superbugs found in U.S. retail meat posted by NutritionFacts.org
- Maine's New Laws to Kick in Jan. 1 Source: Maine Public Broadcasting Network (Thursday December 29, 2011)
Starting Jan. 1, hospitals must submit data on Clostridium difficile, or C. Diff., on a monthly basis to federal and state public health officials. A database with MRSA and C. Diff rates will be readily accessible to the public as early as the spring, reports the Maine Hospital Association.
- Hospital privacy curtains laden with germs Source: Reuters (Thursday September 22, 2011)
Two-thirds of hospital privacy curtains tested positive for potentially deadly bacteria (including MRSA), a University of Iowa study shows.
- Survivor of hospital-acquired infection sounds a call for reform Source: San Jose Mercury News (Wednesday August 31, 2011)
Hospital infection survivor and "numerator," Kerry O'Connell describes the emotional and physical impact of hospital infection on patients and calls for more empathy and honesty from our health care providers.
- Public, patients have right to know hospitals' infection rates Source: Kentucky.com (Monday July 11, 2011)
Op-ed by Daniel M. Saman and Kevin T. Kavanagh, MD. "Although we're a nation of statistics gatherers, there is one glaring omission in this endless list of measurements: how safe our health care facilities are."
- Kathy Day of Maine
Her father's ordeal after a minor injury convinced her that "consumers and patients cannot completely rely on our hospitals to protect us and our safety."
- Illinois is poised to reveal staph infections as killers Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Thursday June 30, 2011)
Death certificates in IL will say whether the patient died of MRSA or other infections that are resistant to multiple drugs if they contributed to or caused a death.
- Illinois Appellate Court Ruling Means Hospitals Must Release Data about Incidents of MRSA Infections Source: dBusiness News (Wednesday June 29, 2011)
A recent Illinois Appellate Court opinion, which reversed the decision of a lower court, will make it easier for all hospital patients who acquire methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) to obtain medical records for the purpose of pursuing legal action.
- Health council says major heart surgery safer in Pennsylvania Source: Patriot News (Thursday May 19, 2011)
The Pennsylvania Cost Containment Council has released a report on heart surgeries. The report includes number of deaths, infections, readmissions and other complications. It can be found at www.phc4.org.
- Hospital infections often not reported Source: Reno Gazette (Monday May 16, 2011)
A review of billing data shows that there are more infections in hospitals than are reported to the state.
- HHS Unveils New Interactive Video to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections Source: US Department of Health and Human Services (Friday May 13, 2011)
The training video allows you to chose different scenarios while in the hospital and lets you choose how you would react to different situations in order to avoid hospital infections.
- Safety of hospital stays greatly affected by staff and culture Source: Chicago Tribune (Thursday May 12, 2011)
Still facing problems with patienty safety, hospitals must enact a culture change to make sure patients get the care they deserve. Features stories from patient safety advocates Kathy Day and Lori Nerbonne.
- Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Issues Annual Report for 2010 Source: Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority (Thursday April 28, 2011)
The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority issued its 2010 Annual Report highlighting its Patient Safety Liaison (PSL) program and educational activities as well as reductions in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals and nursing homes.
- WHYY Radio: Hospital-Acquired Infections Source: WHYY Radio (Thursday April 28, 2011)
Radio interview with patient advocate Kerry O'Connell about his battle with a hospital-acquired infection.
- Family cries foul after fatal bacterial infection in Grapevine Source: Star-Telegram (Tuesday April 26, 2011)
Despite the threat posed by MRSA infections — methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — community-based facilities in Texas are not required to report such cases to local, state or federal health officials. Nor are hospitals required to report cases or notify residents of the same facility.
- FDA: Hand Sanitizers Carry Unproven Claims to Prevent MRSA Infections Source: Food and Drug Administration (Wednesday April 20, 2011)
Some hand sanitizers and antiseptic products come with claims that they can prevent MRSA infections. Don't believe them. These statements are unproven, says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Study Finds Drop in Deadly V.A. Hospital Infections Source: New York Times (Wednesday April 13, 2011)
A four-year MRSA prevention program yields significant results–CDC should make MRSA screening a tier one prevention category.
- How Safe is Your Hospital? NV Legislation Addresses the Issues Source: Public News Service (Tuesday April 12, 2011)
"Nevadans could find out a whole lot more about infection rates and other safety issues at local hospitals and nursing homes, with five bills on such matters up for discussion today in the Legislature."
- Antibiotic resistance: Bacteria are winning the war Source: Guardian UK (Thursday April 7, 2011)
Can we reduce drug resistant bacterial infections by controlling the use of antibiotics?
- Curbing Infections in American Hospitals Source: FOXBusiness (Thursday March 24, 2011)
Hospitals can eliminate most infections through good infection control.
- Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections: Patients Must Be "Safety Partners" Source: Better Health (Wednesday March 9, 2011)
Guest post by Dr. Julia Hallisy on hospital-acquired infections and patient tips for avoiding infections.
- Op Ed: Hospital acquired infection is the gorilla in the room Source: Minute Man News Service (Wednesday March 9, 2011)
"I guess America's present "Wild West" health care system does allow lots of folks to make a handsome profit. But the rest of us are suffering from high health insurance premiums and unacceptably high fatality rates caused by medical errors."
- CDC: Infection rates dropping but more work needed Source: Fierce Healthcare (Wednesday March 2, 2011)
Consumers Union stated that public reporting in the states has made it possible to track progress.
- Letter to the editor: Support improved MRSA prevention in Maine hospitals Source: The Portland Press Herald (Sunday February 13, 2011)
Patient safety activist Kathy Day, RN: "L.D. 267 would strengthen the current MRSA mandates, extend it to nursing homes, and require public reporting of all hospital acquired MRSA, regular staph infections, C Difficile and VRE (all are dangerous hospital infections)."
- Safety: Wound Care May Matter More Than Antibiotics Source: New York Times (Friday February 25, 2011)
NY Times on study re treating children with MRSA skin infections
- MRSA, moms and babies Source: Chicago Tribune (Thursday July 23, 2009)
Summary of articles about MRSA in the pregnant population.
- MRSA cases on rise throughout state Source: Northwest Herald (Wednesday February 16, 2011)
Cases of MRSA reported by IL hospitals throughout the state are on the rise.
- Why Are Hospitals the Worst Place to Be When You are Sick? Source: Huffington Post (Sunday February 6, 2011)
"I was shocked and deeply disturbed to discover the many ways that our healthcare system dishonors, alienates and harms our loved ones entrusted to it."
- Bill seeks to reduce MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections Source: Bangor Daily News (Saturday February 5, 2011)
New legislation is pending in Augusta to strengthen recent MRSA tracking, prevention and reporting, not only in Maine hospitals but in nursing homes as well.
- Study Shows Where MRSA Colonizes on the Human Body
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital now sheds light on both the quantity of MRSA at different body sites and the relationship between the quantities at different sites.
- Kentucky voices: State reporting on hospital infections lax, dangerous Source: Kentucky.com (Friday January 21, 2011)
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh: Public reporting is an essential component of controlling health care-acquired infections. Twenty-seven states, but not Kentucky, have laws requiring public reporting.
- A family battles MRSA after losing a child Source: Chicago Tribune (Sunday July 19, 2009)
MRSA in moms and babies
- Receiving care can be painful Source: Recordnet.com (Saturday January 8, 2011)
News coverage of California's first hospital infection report.
- State health department disavows accuracy of its own report on hospital infections Source: Bakersfield.com (Friday January 7, 2011)
Although California's first hospital infection report isn't easy to navigate, going public with these numbers will reduce infection rates because it forces hospitals to create a system that searches for and documents infections.
- Infections halved with private rooms: study Source: CBC News (Monday January 10, 2011)
Patients in intensive care staying in private rooms have half the rate of some hospital-acquired infections as patients in shared rooms, a new Montreal study shows.
- State report on hospital-acquired infections falls short of goal Source: Redlands Daily Facts (Saturday January 8, 2011)
"There is an extraordinary degree of couching on this report," said Betsy Imholz special projects director for Consumer's Union in San Francisco. "It is not very consumer friendly," she said, adding that Consumer's Union is preparing a full analysis of the report for release at a later date.
- State compares hospitals' admissions, death rates Source: San Francisco Chronicle (Sunday January 9, 2011)
SF Chronicle coverage of California's first hospital infection report.
- 20 California Hospitals that did not report their Hospital Acquired Infection incidents Source: CHCF Center for Health Reporting (Sunday January 2, 2010)
List of California Hospitals that did not report to the state on their Hospital Acquired Infection incidents, January 2009-March 2010
- State's first report on hospital infections seen as incomplete Source: Ventura County Star (Monday January 3, 2011)
News coverage of California's first hospital infection public report.
- State Gathering Info on Hospital-Acquired Infections Source: California Healthline (Wednesday January 5, 2011)
Coverage of California's first hospital infection public report.
- First state report on hospital infections disappoints Source: The Sacramento Bee (Friday December 31, 2010)
Sacramento Bee story on the first CA hospital infection report, which features quotes from Consumers Union's Safe Patient Project as well as Kimberly Ratcliff, who lost her daughter to numerous hospital acquired infections.
- Hospital infections study a first, but unreliable Source: Associated Press (Thursday December 30, 2010)
The California Department of Public Health has released the state's first hospital infection public report, but CA needs to work harder to make sure that all hospitals are providing complete and accurate infection data and that this information is presented in a format that the public can understand.
- Holding hospitals accountable: Reporting hospital-acquired infections Source: Sacramento Press (Tuesday December 21, 2010)
Article about hospital infection reporting in California, featuring the stories of patient safety activists, Carole Moss and Kimberly Ratliff, who both lost children from hospital acquired infections.
- California at Last Joins Other Large States in Tracking Infections Source: Voice of OC (Tuesday December 21, 2010)
Schwarzenegger's signature on Nile's Law in 2008 made California the last of the largest states to require hospital-by-hospital infection data. The new California reports, to be released Jan. 3, will give consumers information about four kinds of hospital-acquired infections.
- A Mother's Fight Forces Hospitals to Confront Infections Source: Voice of OC (Tuesday December 21, 2010)
"After Carole Moss's 15-year-old son died of an infection in 2006 in a Children's Hospital of Orange County facility, she launched a one-woman crusade to force hospitals throughout California to reveal how many of their patients contract serious infections."
- New Rules Require Hospitals to Report ICU Infections Source: McClatchy News (Thursday December 9, 2010)
Most U.S. hospitals on Jan. 1 will begin reporting the number of patients who contract bloodstream infections following their treatment in intensive-care units. And the informaiton will be available on a government website in 2011.
- Getting at the truth behind hospitals' published infection rates Source: Seattle Times (Sunday December 5, 2010)
Washington's hospital infection reporting law needs a provision to require data validation in order to insure the consumer is getting the best infomation.
- MRSA infections (video) Source: TBD.com (Friday November 19, 2010)
Activist Michael Bennett sharing his story in the wake of the Office of Inspector General report on medical errors.
- Hospital Accused Of Putting Patients At Risk To Cut Costs Source: WISN.com (Friday November 5, 2010)
5 Lawsuits Filed Against Columbia St. Mary's in Milwaukee.
- Senate Probes Reasons for Adverse Hospital Events Source: California Healthline (Thursday October 21, 2010)
The CA Senate Health committee held a hearing to discuss the California Department of Public Health's status on implementing hospital infection public reporting and preventing adverse events in California hospitals. Consumers Union has found that the Department has been lagging in these areas leaving patients at risk.
- Drug-resistant bacterium raises alarms in Chicago Source: Chicago Tribune (Friday October 22, 2010)
Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase bacteria, KPC, has been spreading in Chicago hospitals and nursing homes. These gram-negative bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
- When the drugs don't work Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Thursday September 30, 2010)
The age of antibiotics could end without a concerted world-wide effort to confront drug resistant bacteria.
- Iowa: Hospital Associated Infection prevention steering committee sets healthcare- associated infection reduction targets for the new year Source: Iowa Politics.com (Monday September 20, 2010)
"The HAI prevention targets include a 25 percent reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and a 30 percent reduction in Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) related to hospitalization."
- HVISA Linked To High Mortality By Henry Ford Hospital Study Source: Medical News Today (Wednesday September 15, 2010)
A MRSA infection with a reduced susceptibility to the potent antibiotic drug vancomycin is linked to high mortality, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study.
- Keeping an Eye on Hospital Safety Source: Columbia Journalism Review (Thursday September 2, 2010)
In a state where gamblers can easily access the odds on any video poker machine, Nevada patients have had no way of knowing their odds of being injured in a hospital, the Las Vegas Sun told its readers in part one of a splendid series on hospital safety. The series, by reporters Marshall Allen and Alex Richards, aims to change that.
- Cockroaches could help combat MRSA and E.coli Source: Telegraph (Saturday September 4, 2010)
Cockroaches and locusts contain powerful antibiotic molecules in their brains that could be used to develop new treatments against MRSA and E-coli, scientists have discovered.
- Caifornia healthcare workers' flu vaccination rates lagging Source: VaccineNewsDaily.com (Friday September 3, 2010)
Only 52 percent of California hospital employees have received flu vaccinations, a Consumers Union study shows. And the advocacy group says that is detrimental to the state's health.
- Report: Only 50 Percent of Hospital Workers Vaccinated Against Flu Source: Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News (Thursday September 2, 2010)
UC Davis responds to Consumers Union's report on low flu vaccination rates at California hosppitals.
- Half of hospital workers didn't get flu shots, Consumers Union finds Source: Healthycal.org (Thursday September 2, 2010)
Consumers Union's report on low flu vaccination rates among California health care workers is based on inacurrate data according to the head of the CA Department of Public Health who provided the data to Consumers Union.
- 'Super bug' that's resistant to antibiotics threatens hospital patients Source: Washington Post (Tuesday August 24, 2010)
"A recent study found 25 percent more C. diff than MRSA in 28 community hospitals in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia."
- Experts offer perspective on NDM-1 resistance threat Source: CIDRAP (Friday August 20, 2010)
Three cases of this drug resistant bacteria have been documented in the U.S. Experts say other drug resistant bacteria are more prevelant in the U.S.
- Infection Offensive Source: Memphis Daily News (Monday August 23, 2010)
Public reporting of hospital infections in Tennessee has allowed hospitals and consumers to measure hospitals' progress over time at preventing infection. Some hospitals are stepping up their efforts to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections.
- WA: Harrison Highest in State for Central Line Infection Rate in 2009 Source: Kitsap Sun (Thursday August 19, 2010)
"Harrison Medical Center in 2009 had the highest central-line infection rate of any of Washington state's 63 hospitals with intensive-care units. The Bremerton-based hospital also had the fourth-highest rate of pneumonia linked to the use of ventilators among the state's 37 community hospitals, according to the Washington Department of Health (DOH)."
- Do No Harm: Hospital Care in Las Vegas
Parts 1 and 2 of an investigative series by the Las Vegas Sun of hospital safety. The articles focus on hospital infections and preventable injuries. They also explain the limited information available to consumers and why the state has failed to provide this information.
- New superbug found in Alberta Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (Thursday August 19, 2010)
A new superbug that is making its way aroung the world has been discovered. "British researchers are being credited with the discovery of new bacteria with the gene allowing it to produce an enzyme called New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1, or NDM-1." Two cases have been discovered in Canada.
- NH: State releases first hospital infection report Source: Union Leader (Tuesday August 17, 2010)
The long overdue report is in response to a 2006 state law requiring reporting of central line bloodstream infections. and infections acquired after heart, colon and knee surgeries. A separate report details influenza vaccination rates among hospital staff.
- Missouri reverses policy that removed older data on hospital infections Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Wednesday August 18, 2010)
The Missouri Department of Health has agreed to change its policy of purging hospital infection data that was over a year old. Now consumers can view hospital infection prevention performance over years rather than just having access to one year worth of performance data.
- Missouri purges data from infection records Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Tuesday August 17, 2010)
Siting costs to keep the old data, the Missouri Health Department is deleting infection data from past years making it impossible to see if a hospitals infection prevention record improves or declines over time.
- Initial N.H. report finds fewer cases of hospital infections
New Hampshire released the first report on health care associated infections. The law was passed in 2006 and results have finally been published.
- Nevada changing law on reporting lethal hospital 'bugs' Source: Las Vegas Sun (Thursday August 12, 2010)
Nevada hospitals will be required to report certain infections but information from individual hospitals will not be available to the public.
- A hidden epidemic - Part 1 Source: Las Vegas Sun (Sunday August 8, 2010)
Las Vegas hospital officials say they are doing enough to protect patients from becoming infected with deadly bacteria. But hospitals are failing.
- Hospitals plan to report internal infection cases Source: Reno Gazette-Journal (Tuesday July 27, 2010)
The Nevada State Board of Health is scheduled Aug. 13 to hold a public hearing on regulation changes that would require larger hospitals to report "sentinel events," including cases of MRSA and clostridium difficile, which are infections some patients catch while staying in hospitals or nursing homes.
- 100 dead babies at just one hospital Source: Times Live (Monday May 24, 2010)
South African hospital reports that poor infection control contributed to the deaths of more than 100 babies at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.
- Preventing infections: How Portland hospitals compare Source: The Oregonian (Saturday May 8, 2010)
New report shows how well Oregon hospitals are doing at preventing life-threatening infections.
- Oregon Healthcare Aquired Infection Report 2010
- Republic finds thousands of cases of illnesses over 2 years; data is not publicly disclosed Source: Arizona Republic (Sunday May 9, 2010)
27 states have laws requiring public reporting of hospital infections. A committee recently recommended that Arizona not require this disclosure.
- New Florida initiative has better hospital outcomes in mind Source: The Gainsville Sun (Tuesday May 18, 2010)
Florida Surgical Care Initiative, or FSCI, will collect data in four areas where such complications occur most often: infections at the surgical site or in the urinary tract, outcomes in elderly patients and outcomes after colorectal surgery.
- Antibiotic Resistance Called Growing Threat to Human Health Source: Voice of America (Tuesday May 18, 2010)
The World Health Organization calls antibiotic resistance one of the three greatest threats to human health.
- IL: Hospital-Related Infection Study Source: WIFR.com (Tuesday May 18, 2010)
Central line associated infection rates are anylized in Illinois hospitals.
- Tracking hospital infections Source: Chicago Tribune (Tuesday May 18, 2010)
Illinois hospitals show uneven infection prevention numbers. Those hospitals that have incorporated a system of best practices to prevent central line infections ("the checklist') have successfully reduced their infection rates.
- Growing dangers of infections at hospitals Source: The Buffalo News (Monday May 10, 2010)
Potentially deadly infections persist and the overuse and misuse of antibiotics is making infection treatment more difficult.
- Arizona hospital infection risk revealed Source: Arizona Republic (Thursday May 6, 2010)
An Arizona Republic analysis of hospital discharge data revealed thousands of cases of infection over the past two years. While 27 other states have passed laws requiring public reporting of infection rates, Arizona is not one of them.
- Maine Campaign for Better Care press conference (video) Source: WCSH6.com (May 2010 (Thursday May 6, 2010)
Maine health care advocates held a press conference to make sure health reform is implemented properly, including improving the quality and safety of health care.
- Certain patient populations more likely to carry MRSA Source: Fierce Healthcare (Monday April 26, 2010)
A new study published in the Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology of 2,055 patients found that MRSA was present in the noses of 20 percent of long-term elder care patients, 16 percent of HIV-infected patients, and 14 percent and 15 percent of inpatient and outpatient kidney dialysis patients.
Read more:
- Oped: Cows on Drugs Source: New York Times; 4/17/2010 (Saturday April 17, 2010)
More than 30 years ago, a proposal to eliminate the use of common antibiotics to promote growth was shot down by Congress with the help of agribusiness.
- NYU Docs: MRSA Screening and Decolonization Is Worth the Cost
Program to screen and treat all surgical patients costs $115 per patient compared $60,000 or more per infection.
- Patient Safety Report Shows Medical Errors Continuing in NJ Hospitals Source: Atlantic Hightland Herarld (Thursday April 1, 2010)
AARP: Older Adults Still the Most Affected by Dangerous Medical Errors
- Video: The Faces of Medical Errors...From Tears to Transparency
The following films from Transparent Learning are the first in a series of educational stories that feature patient safety advocates including Helen Haskell, Rosemary Gibson and Dr. Lucian Leape.
- Transparency and Public Reporting Are Essential for a Safe Health Care System Source: Commonwealth Prespectives on Health Reform Brief (Wednesday March 17, 2010)
Leading patient safey advocate Dr. Lucian Leape released report. He makes a strong statement on public reporting: "Transparency is an idea whose time has come and both hospitals and the public will be better off because of it." His statement and report are online now.
- Study: Half of Infection Deaths Linked Directly to Hospital Care Source: WSJ Health blog (Tuesday February 23, 2010)
Sepsis and pneumonia, two infections that can often be prevented with tight infection control practices in hospitals, killed 48,000 patients and added $8.1 billion to heath care costs in 2006 alone, according to a study published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
- Hospital Infection Rates: How Are Wichita Hospitals Doing? Source: Eyewitness 12 Kansas (Thursday February 18, 2010)
"For years, doctors held the belief that these infections were inevitable and they became an accepted risk of hospital care. Now, research has shown the vast majority of these infections are preventable."
- Infection rates improving inside America's hospitals Source: Wink News Florida (Tuesday February 16, 2010)
Consumer Reports recently reviewed hospitals around the country and found some medical centers are still slipping.
- MI: Fighting Hospital Infections Source: Action News 7; Detroit, MI (Tuesday February 16, 2010)
When patients enter intensive care units central lines are vital to life. These long, flexible catheters deliver essential medications, nutrition and fluids. But they can just as quickly deliver deadly bacteria into your bloodstream. Consumer Reports researched central line blood stream infection data on 926 hospitals in 43 states including Michigan.
- Bronx hospitals clean up their act to lower infection rates in ICU
A recent report compiled by Consumers Union comparing infection rates reported by hospitals in 2008 showed that Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx had 44% fewer infections than the national average.
- 'Extraordinary resources' needed to tackle C. diff Source: BBC News (Tuesday February 2, 2010)
At a conference in Scotland, experts warned that containing C-Difficile infections requires vigilance. "In Scotland C. diff has overtaken MRSA as the leading cause of deaths from hospital-acquired infections, and it is rapidly becoming resistant to antibiotic treatment."
- Prevention and Control of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Dealing With Reality, Resistance, and Resistance to Reality Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases (Thursday December 10, 2009)
Excerpt: "While the world attempts to control the current pandemic of H1N1 influenza virus infection, the impact of a previous pandemic of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection (ie, widespread endemicity in hospitals) continues virtually unnoticed."
- Mapping the distribution of MRSA across Europe
By mapping MRSA cases in Europe, researchers were able to determine that MRSA occurs in geopgraphical clusters. They conclude that screening patients for MRSA is an effective strategy for limiting the spread which is mainly through health care networks and not in communities.
- Webinar on MRSA tracking and reporting in the states
Hosted by the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) sponsored this webinar where speakers presented on Tennessee's infection reporting system and using the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
- MRSA 'spread by patients moving between hospitals'
MRSA is mainly spread by patients moving between hospitals, Dutch researchers have said.
- MRSA surgical infections exact heavy clinical, financial toll Source: American Medical News (Wednesday January 14, 2009)
Preventing the resistant staph infection could lower readmission and mortality rates and save hospitals thousands in costs associated with caring for readmitted patients.
- Editorial: Preventing and Controlling MRSA Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases (Friday January 15, 2010)
Dr. William Jarvas discusses other countries that have had success with active detection and isolation (ADI) to prevent the spread of MRSA.
- Canadians becoming 'fed up' with hospital infections Source: Metro News-Halifax News (Tuesday January 12, 2010)
"A team of researchers at Queen's University in Kingston has proven scientifically that shared hospital rooms are a culprit in spreading superbugs. "
- Screening Could Curb Hospital Superbug Source: Rueters (Monday January 11, 2010)
Researchers mapped the spread of MRSA and found it in clusters throughout Europe. They recommend screening of patients who are admitted to more than one hospital in Europe in order to contain its spread.
- New Law Aims to Stem Spread of Sometimes Deadly Infection Source: Maine Public Broadcasting Network (Wednesday January 6, 2010)
A new law goes into effect this week requiring that all Maine hospitals screen high-risk patients for a drug-resistant bacterial infection called MRSA-Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The law requires hospitals to screen for MRSA but does not dictate further action, such as isolation, precaution, and treatment if a patient is diagnosed.
- UK: Scientists turn DNA detectives to track spread of hospital superbugs Source: Times Online (Monday January 4, 2010)
Scientist in the UK are going to use DNA as a way to track the origins of superbugs.
- Health care associated infections in Maine: 2009
This report contains Maine hospital specific rates on Central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates for
intensive care unit (ICU) patients and neonatal (ICU) patients.) It also has process measures on CLABSI and venilator associated pneumonia "prevention bundles."
- Report on health care associated infection data reported to NHSN
This is a report on data collected from 2006-2008.
- One superbug infection costs hospital $60,000: study Source: Reuters (Tuesday December 15, 2009)
Reuters reports on a Duke University study that finds surgical site infections due to MRSA led to a 7-fold increased risk of death, a 35-fold increased risk of hospital readmission, more than 3 weeks of additional hospitalization, and more than $60,000 of additional charges compared to uninfected controls.
- Report shows rise in drug-resistant MRSA staph infection Source: Dailybreeze.com (Tuesday December 8, 2009)
"The caseload of patients with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA, rose nearly fourfold from 1999 to 2007, according to the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development."
- MRSA Infections in California Hospital Patients, 1999 to 2007
The number of MRSA infections increased "more than four-fold, from about 13,000 cases in 1999 to about 52,000 cases in 2007."
- Infections are biggest killer for intensive care patients Source: Ireland: Herald.ie (Saturday December 5, 2009)
Infection is the biggest single cause of death in hospital intensive care units, according to a new worldwide study.
- Warning: Going to the hospital may be hazardous to your health Source: Los Angeles Times health blog (Wednesday December 2, 2009)
A study published in the December 2nd Journal of the American Medical Assn. by an international group of researchers examined data on 13,796 adult patients from 1,265 hospitals in 75 countries who were unlucky enough to be in an intensive care unit on May 8, 2007. Here's a summary of what they found: Fifty-one percent of ICU patients had some sort of infection, the longer you're in the hospital, the more likely you are to become infected. The mortality rate for ICU patients with an infection was 25%, compared with 11% for patients without an infection. Infection rates in North America were slightly below average, at 48%, but the lowest rate was in Africa, at 46%. The highest infection rate was 60%, found in Central and South America.
- 10 years, 5 Voices, 1 Challenge
To Err Is Human jump-started a movement to improve patient safety. How far have we come? Where do we go from here? Five patient safety "stakeholders" were interviewed for this article, including the Director of Consumers Union Safe Patient Project, Lisa McGiffert.
- Massachusetts' Hospitals make headway on patient infections Source: Boston Globe (Sunday November 22, 2009)
The article states that these reductions are a result of "pressure from government regulators and patient groups, as well as a shift in doctors' attitudes, is starting to make medical care safer."
- MRSA & Maine Source: WGME-13 (Sunday October 13, 30)
The spread of MRSA, a potentially lethal infection that modern medicine can't seem to beat. But are Maine's hospitals doing all they can to fight the problem?
- Hand-washing detectors could help save lives Source: MSNBC (Tuesday October 13, 2009)
Technology could potentially slash number of hospital-related infections
- Stimulus Money Will Help Fight Illnesses Source: Eyewitness 3 (Wednesday October 3, 12)
CT receives stimulus funds for hospital infection reduction
- More evidence of MRSA involvement in H1N1 flu Source: Global Post; Sept. 28 (Friday September 28, 12)
"There is an emerging literature on the role of bacterial infections in illness and deaths in this flu, and an emerging consensus that bacterial infections are playing a bigger and more serious role than was thought at first."
- Memphis Hospital Shares Lifesaving Protocol with Medical Facilities Across the Country Source: HealthNewsDigest (Monday September 28, 2009)
Electronic Medical software has helped detect Sepsis in a patient saving time and lives due to early detection.
- World MRSA Day event Friday at Utah Capitol Source: Salt City Tribune (Monday September 28, 2009)
After nearly losing her husband to a dangerous hospital-acquired staph infection, Mary Petty wants to lift the "veil of secrecy" shrouding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
- Tie to Pets Has Germ Jumping to and Fro Source: NYT (Monday September 21, 2009)
MRSA is believed to be transferred to pets and then back to humans.
- Active Screening for MRSA, More Important Than Type of Test Source: Fars News Agency (Wednesday September 23, 2009)
"Detection and eradication of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a public health priority worldwide."
- Consumer Reports nurse's survey show cleanliness problem Source: ABC 360.com; KFSN-TV Fresno, CA (Monday September 7, 2009)
Nancy Metcalf, Consumer Reports said: "We surveyed more than 700 nurses nationwide who work in operating rooms, emergency rooms, critical care units and other areas of the hospital."
- NH hospital infection reporting program funded Source: Concord Monitor (Saturday September 12, 2009)
Federal grant to start program
- ICAAC: Wide MRSA Screening Cuts Disease, Saves $$ Source: Medpage Today (Tuesday September 15, 2009)
the savings associated with preventing MRSA infection amounted to $1.8 million a year according to Lance Peterson, MD, of NorthShore Health System in Evanston, Ill.
- CDC to Distribute $40 Million in Recovery Act Funding to Help States Fight Healthcare-Associated Infections Source: CDC (Tuesday September 1, 2009)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today announced plans to distribute $40 million to state health departments to help prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- National Hand Hygiene Campaigns in Europe, 2000-2009 Source: Eurosurveillance, Volume 14, Issue 17, 30 April 2009 (Thursday April 30, 2009)
This report is an overview of the national hand hygiene campaigns, but also regional activities, implemented in Europe since 2000.
- MRSA 'superbug' found in ocean, public beaches Source: USA Today (Saturday September 12, 2009)
A study by researchers at the University of Washington has for the first time identified methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) in marine water and beach sand from seven public beaches on the Puget Sound.
- Hospitals urged to strictly enforce hand-washing Source: San Francisco Chronicle (Friday September 11, 2009)
The Joint Commission announced a new program Thursday that is designed to improve health care safety practices, starting with a rigorous approach toward hand-washing by hospital staffers.
- SC hospital: 15 O.R. staffers treated for staph Source: The Post and Courier (Saturday September 5, 2009)
The affected staff have since returned to work after being treated with antibiotics and testing negative for Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Surgical-site infections in five out of 1,500 patients in July and August prompted the hospital to test 68 operating room staffers for staph, said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steven Shapiro.
- N.H. health costs merit investigation Source: Concord Monitor (Thursday September 3, 2009)
Lori Nerbonne, co-founder of New Hampshire Patient Voices, writes: "New Hampshire government, consumers and employers could reap a windfall in savings if they formed a collaborative that focused on health care quality and costs in New Hampshire."
- Editorial: Healthy hospitals: AnMed, Oconee keep infection to a minimum Source: Independent Mail (Wednesday August 26, 2009)
SC state health department's survey of infection rates shows scores of hospitals in the state.
- Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) Statistics Source: FDA, as of (Tuesday March 31, 2009)
The Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) contains over four million reports of adverse events and reflects data from 1969 to the present. Data from AERS are presented here as summary statistics. These summary statistics cover data received over the last ten years.
- Dead By Mistake Source: Source: Hearst Newspapers (Friday July 31, 2009)
Dead by mistake was researched and written by a team of journalists from across Hearst newspapers and television stations. Hearst describes medical errors as "a critical and neglected health care issue." Consumers Union's Safe Patient Project published a report on medical harm, "To Err is Human, To Delay is Deadly" in May 2009.
- Editorial: Why so many needless deaths? Source: Albany Times (Tuesday August 11, 2009)
"You can't say we weren't warned. And you can't say we've done enough to address those warnings about the degree of avoidable deaths in hospitals in New York and across the country."
- Washington law lacks both money and teeth Source: Hearst Newspapers (Thursday July 30, 2009)
Six years after the "To Err is Human" report, the Washington state Legislature responded with a law mandating medical error reports. State Rep. Tom Campbell, a bill sponsor, envisioned a day when patients could click on a Web site and compare hospitals' safety records.
- X-ray Machines Spread Bugs in ICUs Source: MedPage Today (Friday August 7, 2009)
Multidrug-resistant bacteria can be spread in the intensive care unit by portable X-ray machines and their operators, Israeli researchers found.
- Basic Patient Safety Reforms Would Save 85,000 Lives and $35 Billion a Year, Public Citizen Report Says Source: Public Citizen (Thursday August 6, 2009)
The report, "Back to Basics," analyzed the results of scientific studies of treatment protocols for chronically recurring, avoidable medical errors.
- Report: Most Del. hospitals on par with rest of nation Source: Delaware Online (Thursday July 30, 2009)
A law passed in 2007 requires Delaware hospitals to report healthcare-acquired infections to the federal National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Nineteen other states also require hospitals to report infections.
- Reps should be commended for fighting for patient rights Source: Nashua Telegraph (Thursday July 23, 2009)
Letter to Editor from Lori Nerbonne thanking lawmakers for passing hospital infection and error reporting legislation.
- Ranking hospitals now done by many organizations, not just U.S. News & World Report Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer (Monday July 27, 2009)
There's a movement to make hard numbers the basis for rankings among hospitals, instead of reputation or word-of-mouth.
- Perforated gloves tied to risk for surgical-site infection Source: The Clinical Advisor (Monday July 27, 2009)
Surgical gloves that develop holes or leaks during a procedure appear to increase the risk of infection at the surgical site among patients who are not given antibiotics beforehand, a Swiss study reports.
- Editorial: You should learn the ABCs of HAI and MRSA (PDF) Source: Courier Journal, Louisville, KY (Monday July 27, 2009)
Kentucky paper endorses public reporting and surveillance cultures for MRSA and HAI. "The health care industry has been reluctant to embrace the simple expedient of screening broadly for patients with MRSA; because some hospitals have refused to isolate all patients with MRSA; because too many doctors, nurses and other health professionals don't follow basic hygiene rules; because state regulation of hospitals is slipshod.
- Experts Support National Public Reporting of Healthcare-Associated Infections Source: APIC (Monday July 20, 2009)
Five organizations representing the nation's experts in infectious diseases medicine, infection prevention in healthcare settings, and public health and disease prevention announced their support for a provision requiring national reporting of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates, which is contained within the healthcare reform bill introduced by leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Oklahomans' fecal transplant aims to kill colon superbug (C-Difficile) Source: NewsOK (Thursday July 23, 2009)
Some Oklahoma patients are opting for an admittedly gross procedure to kill superbugs living in their colons.
- Op-ed: Stop hospital-borne infections Source: The Courier-Journal (Thursday July 9, 2009)
Our state needs to take an active and aggressive policy of mandatory public reporting and tracking of HAI. Kentucky should become a leader in health care, but if Kentucky always waits for the majority of other states to act, we will be relegated to being below average.
- Video: MRSA prevention bill introduced in House Source: KTVU (Wednesday June 24, 2009)
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-12) held a press conference announcing her bill (HR2937) to screen for and prevent MRSA infections in hospitals.
- WCA Hospital Reports Few Instances Of Hospial-Related Infections Source: The Post Journal (Sunday July 5, 2009)
According to the report, New York hospitals have lower rates of surgical-site infections than hospitals across the rest of the nation, but the same or higher rates of bloodstream infections in intensive care units than those reported nationally.
- Editorial: Dangerous Care: Hospitals must ensure that infections are minimized Source: Syracuse Post Standard (Monday July 6, 2009)
By one estimate, more than 200 Central New Yorkers die every year from infections they caught while in the hospital.
- Editorial: Germ warfare: State Health Dept. finally tackles hospital-acquired infections Source: New York Daily News (Sunday July 5, 2009)
After too much delay, the agency has put out a report revealing which hospitals in New York are more and which are less likely to discharge you with a nasty bug.
- NY hospitals have lower infection rates Source: Buffalo Business First (Sunday July 5, 2009)
The second annual Hospital-Acquired Infections, New York State 2008 Report presents infection rates identified by hospital name and region for surgical-site infections.
- Editorial: Health Care's Infectious Losses Source: New York Times (Sunday July 5, 2009)
Former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neil comments on reducing health care costs: "The president says he likes audacious goals. Here is one: ask medical providers to eliminate all hospital-acquired infections within two years."
- Health Reform Should Tackle the Rising Threat of Hospital Infections
Infection prevention through known practices provides policymakers a ready solution to the current health system failure that adds a hefty price tag to the nation's annual health spending.
- NH: College and Keene Community Show Support for Infection Survivor
Keene State field hockey player Erin Dallas developed a post-surgical infection following an ACL operation last December. Since that time, Dallas has been hospitalized and has had multiple operations.
- Into battle against the superbug Source: The National, Abu Dhabi (Tuesday June 30, 2009)
The UAE offers to help war wounded but must stop infection outbreaks: "High on the list of priorities was identifying and isolating the source of infection; this was done, says the report, by taking wound and nasal swabs from all admitted patients and hand and nasal swabs from all staff who came into contact with them."
- Touched by tragedy Source: Ocala.com (Thursday June 25, 2009)
Kim Sandstrom, a patient safety activist in Florida, was invited to attend a White House forum with President Obama that was aired Wednesday night on ABC. Kim's 24-year-old daughter, Diana, died from a medical error in 2004.
- Many hospitals cut back on infection-control efforts Source: American Medical News (Monday June 22, 2009)
Many hospitals cut back on infection-control efforts, which will hurt patients and cost hospitals money.
- Torn Surgical Gloves Put Patients at Risk for Infection Source: Forbes (Tuesday June 16, 2009)
Giving antibiotics before operation might improve safety, study finds
- MD: State links billing rates to hospital performances Source: HometownAnnapolis.com (Tuesday June 16, 2009)
On July 1, the state's hospitals will receive financial incentives based on the steps taken to prevent complications, including collapsed lungs and infections of the urinary tract and in the blood.
- Hospital Infections High In Sweden At 10 Percent Source: EmaxHealth (Monday June 15, 2009)
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals impose significant economic consequences on the nation's healthcare system.
- VA inspections show continued flaws Source: AP (Monday June 15, 2009)
The VA started a nationwide safety campaign at it's 153 medical centers calling attention to potential infection risks from improperly operating and sterilizing the equipment.
- Editorial: Mandatory reporting makes hospitals safer Source: Concord Monitor (Thursday May 14, 2009)
Lori Nerbonne of New Hampshire Patient Voices writes in support of a bill for funding hospital infection rate reporting and an adverse event reporting bill, which will require hospitals to report serious, completely preventable errors to the state.
- Germs and flu are up; infection control is down Source: MSNBC (Tuesday June 9, 2009)
Despite growing pressure to prevent deadly hospital-acquired infections, hospitals are cutting back on protecting patients against them.
- Contracting out, hand washing won't break deadly chain of infection Source: Canadian Union of Public Employees (Tuesday March 3, 2009)
A new research paper from the Canadian Union of Public Employees says that governments and employers must invest in cleaning and keep services public in order to stop unnecessary suffering and deaths.
- Beth Israel faulted for staph outbreak in mothers, babies Source: Boston Globe (Friday April 10, 2009)
Over the past six months, 18 mothers and 19 newborns have become sick with a dangerous bacterial infection soon after being released from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, triggering a state investigation that uncovered serious problems with the hospital's infection control practices.
- Bill aims to stop spread of MRSA in hospitals Source: The Olympian (Wednesday March 18, 2009)
Representative Campbell's legislation is an attempt to force hospitals to track drug-resistant MRSA infections and slow the bacteria's spread
- Stethoscopes Infected with Deadly Bacteria Source: Natural News.com (Thursday March 19, 2009)
In the new study led by Dr. Merlin, who's an assistant professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey (UMDNJ) Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, one in 3 stethoscopes being used by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in a New Jersey hospital's emergency department tested positive for MRSA.
- Editorial: Ending a culture of resistance to MRSA screening Source: Seattle Times (Monday February 23, 2009)
"Aggressive screening halts the spread of MRSA. Rather than fighting lawmakers, the Washington State Medical Association ought to encourage its 9,000 physician members to get behind mandatory screening."
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in US Intensive Care Units, 1997-2007 Source: JAMA (Wednesday February 18, 2009)
Study finds MRSA cases in ICU reduced 50%.
- "Superbug infections decline for procedure Source: Los Angeles Times (Wednesday February 18, 2009)
Bloodstream infections caused by MRSA have dropped 50% in hospital ICUs in the last decade, according to a new study.
- Kentucky efforts targeting infections in hospitals Source: Louisville Courier Journal (Friday January 11, 2008)
New bills aim to require MRSA screening and infection reporting
- Editorial- The MRSA mess: a culture of resistance Source: Seattle Times (Monday November 24, 2008)
A sloppy, uneven response by some hospitals has failed to confront the MRSA infection or adequately inform the public.
- Prevention of MRSA stressed at conference Source: Lexington Herald Leader (Saturday November 29, 2008)
A bug called MRSA turned Orvil Hazelton's routine knee replacement into a nightmare that ended only after surgeons amputated his left leg just above the knee.
- MRSA: Patients revolt against hospital secrecy Source: Seattle Times (Tuesday November 18, 2008)
MRSA: Consumers have launched a battle against hospital secrecy and demanded aggressive steps to control infections like MRSA. But in Washington state, MRSA rates remain hidden and state initiatives to combat the drug-resistant germ have come up short.
- Case studies: Rigorous testing slows MRSA germ in VA hospitals, Tacoma General Source: Seattle Times (Sunday November 16, 2008)
An aggressive MRSA-screening program at Veterans Affairs medical centers has dramatically reduced infections, VA officials say. Tacoma General Hospital reports a similar success story.
- Culture of resistance: A Seattle Times Investigation Source: Seattle Times (Sunday November 16, 2008)
Part 1: How our hospitals unleashed an epidemic; Part 2: After deadly outbreaks, hospital slow to change; and MRSA resources.
- How our hospitals unleashed a MRSA epidemic Source: Seattle Times (Sunday November 16, 2008)
MRSA, a drug-resistant germ, lurks in Washington hospitals, carried by patients and staff and fueled by inconsistent infection control. This stubborn germ is spreading here at an alarming rate, but no one has tracked these cases ― until now.
- Hospitals Fail to Take Basic Steps to Stop MRSA's Spread Source: WSJ Health Blog (Sunday November 16, 2008)
MRSA, MRSA everywhere. And here comes the Seattle Times with a series on the spread of the nasty infection that's resistant to many of the most widely used antibiotics.
- Conference will address MRSA and 'never events' Source: Lexington Herold Leader (Friday November 14, 2008)
Issues surrounding hospital-acquired infections and other medical events "that should never happen" will highlight a health care conference in Lexington next week.
- Forget MRSA for a Moment, Clostridium Difficile is a Growing Problem
With all the attention on antibiotic-resistant staph, or MRSA, you may have overlooked Clostridium difficile, the nasty bacterium behind a growing number of hospital-acquired infection.
- California Department of Public Health to monitor hospitals for MRSA, other bacterial infections Source: The Press-Enterprise (Sunday October 26, 2008)
Gov. Schwarzenegger last month signed two bills that he said will help control hospital infections and lower health care costs by shortening patient stays and reducing avoidable deaths and illnesses.
- Surveillance program leads to plunge in hospital MRSA rates Source: BattleCreekEnquirer (Thursday October 9, 2008)
Kelly Walkinshaw, RN, BSN, has been honored by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC), for her success in reducing MRSA rates among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan.
- Beyond MRSA: The new generation of resistant infections Source: The New Yorker (Monday August 11, 2008)
The new generation of resistant infections is almost impossible to treat.
- MRSA carriers have persistent infection risk Source: Rueters (Friday July 25, 2008)
People who harbor methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for more than 1 year still have a substantial risk of MRSA-related infection and death, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
- MRSA Rates Tied to Hospital Understaffing Source: U.S. News and World Report (Tuesday June 24, 2008)
"The drive toward greater efficiency by reducing the number of hospital beds and increasing patient throughput has led to highly stressed health-care systems with unwelcome side effects," the researchers wrote.
- Hospital survey finds more targeting resistant bacteria Source: Augusta Chronicle (Wednesday June 18, 2008)
A survey released Tuesday by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology found that 76 percent had increased efforts in the past year to control the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
- Hospital infections: Tracking killer that lies in wait Source: Orange County Register (Monday May 5, 2008)
A bill introduced in the California Senate by Sen. Elaine Alquist would require hospitals to publicly report their infection rates.
- State, CDC track link in child flu deaths Source: The Boston Globe (Friday April 25, 2008)
Massachusetts health authorities have linked two recent childhood flu deaths to a germ called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA
- Editorial: Hospitals Fight MRSA Screening Source: Hartford Courant (Thursday April 17, 2008)
Connecticut hospitals continue to stonewall and fight a sane and sound amendment to Senate Bill 579.
- MRSA rates continue steady climb upward, new Canadian data show Source: The Canadian Press (Wednesday March 26, 2008)
Canadian study: an estimated 2,300 Canadians lost their lives in 2006 to antibiotic resistant Staph bacteria and added $200 million to $250 million to the country's health-care bill.
- Preventing MRSA: Why I wear a bowtie Source: Consumer Reports on Health (Friday February 15, 2008)
Neckties worn by doctors in hospitals have been implicated as carriers of infection causing bacteria
- Are California hospitals doing enough to stop MRSA? Source: KPIX-TV San Francisco (Thursday March 20, 2008)
The public is kept in the dark about MRSA and other hospital infections
- MRSA bill takes heat at Capitol Source: Columbia Tribune (Sunday March 16, 2008)
HB 1546, would have required testing for MRSA in patients and doctors, isolation of infected patients and public reporting of MRSA hospital infection rates.
- North state patient's recovery stalled by persistent infection Source: Sacramento BEE Unpublishing; moved behind paywall (gf, 03.30.2009 (Saturday March 15, 2008)
"This is preventable," said Colas, angry and anxious to get back home. "People don't have to get staph infections."
- Salem Hospital goes to war with MRSA Source: Statesman Journal, Salem, OR (Tuesday March 18, 2008)
Goal is to reduce overall transmission of the bacteria
- MRSA 'Superbug' Becoming More Resistant Source: MSNBC (Wednesday March 5, 2008)
'They Can Adapt to Virtually any Pressure That We Expose Them To,' Doctors Say
- MRSA: Understand your risk and how to prevent infection
MRSA — or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — has been a problem in hospital and health care settings for years.
- Superbug order creates controversy Source: Sacramento Bee Unpublishing; moved behind paywall (gf, 03.30.2009 (Friday February 15, 2008)
California now requires reporting of serious MRSA cases, but leaves out cases acquired in hospitals
- California hospitals must report serious community acquired MRSA cases Source: San Francisco Chronicle (Friday February 15, 2008)
But new state requirement fails to require reporting of hospital acquired MRSA
- State must track MRSA infections Source: Lexington Herald Leader (Monday February 4, 2008)
Kentucky physician advocates for tracking of MRSA infections.
- Editorial: Beating the staph superbug Source: Los Angeles Times (Monday January 14, 2008)
The MRSA staph infection is a deadly threat. It's time for a broad-based response
- FDA approves blood test for 'superbug' Source: Greenville News (Thursday January 3, 2008)
Rapid test will enable faster treatment, containment of resistant staph germ
- California bill will address hospital infection rates and the problem of MRSA Source: LA Times (Thursday December 20, 2007)
Articles highlight the work of activist Carole Moss, whose son, Nile, died of a MRSA infection and nine hospitals that prevented 600 infections using a data-mining program to flag infections early to stop them from being passed to other patients.
- U.S. Healthcare Not Doing Enough to Curb MRSA infections Source: KIII-TV South Texas (Friday December 28, 2007)
Consumers Union Calls on Hospitals to Invest More Resources
- CA: Talks of exterminating the 'super bug' Source: KABC-TV (Thursday December 20, 2007)
Carole Moss of Riverside told a state Senate Committee today the state is ill-prepared for the growing number of cases related to the deadly, often drug-resistant bacteria called MRSA.
- UK: MRSA test on new patients reduces infections by 40% Source: UK Times Online (Wednesday December 19, 2007)
A quick test for the drug-resistant bacterium MRSA has helped a London hospital to cut infection rates by almost 40 per cent in a single year.
- Hospitals marshal resources against MRSA Source: USA Today (Sunday December 2, 2007)
A new federal report on MRSA has prompted hospitals to step up their fight against the superbug.
- Legislation calls for testing patients for MRSA Source: Albany Times Union (Thursday November 22, 2007)
New York lawmakers consider MRSA screening.
- Idaho hopes to get handle on potentially deadly staph Source: Idaho Statesman (Thursday November 15, 2007)
Health and Welfare Board considers rule requiring health care facilities to report non-fatal cases of MRSA.
- Gregoire takes on superbug MRSA Source: The Seattle Times (Thursday November 15, 2007)
Gov. Christine Gregoire wants medical laboratories around the state to report cases of invasive MRSA infections and instructed the health department to convene a panel of scientific experts to recommend the best, scientifically sound strategies to monitor and curb antibiotic-resistant organisms.
- Hospitals slow to battle superbug Source: Portland Tribune (Friday November 16, 2007)
Locally, only VA screens for fast-spreading MRSA bacteria.
- Why Aren't The Feds Fighting MRSA Harder? Source: AP (November, 7, 2007 (Wednesday November 7, 2007)
Hospitals Are Adopting Superbug Screening, But The CDC Hasn't Ordered Tests
- Top Doc: Staph "The Cockroach Of Bacteria" Source: AP (November, 7, 2007 (Wednesday November 7, 2007)
CDC Head Says MRSA Infections Can Be Avoided With Common Sense Hygiene
- Testing Patients for MRSA Source: CBS Nightly News (November, 7, 2007 (Wednesday November 7, 2007)
Nineteen thousand Americans die every year from MRSA, and most contract the disease in hospitals. Critics say testing for the bacteria should be compulsory.
- How staph became drug-resistant threat Source: Chicago Tribune (Sunday November 4, 2007)
MRSA has transformed itself into a menacing microbe with fewer weaknesses and perhaps more lethal power.
- Getting a clean bill of health Source: Baltimore Sun (Thursday November 1, 2007)
To avoid infections, be proactive about doctors' hygiene
- Deadly superbug is here – why isn't it tracked? Source: Seattle Times (Thursday October 18, 2007)
Unlike mumps or measles, MRSA cases need not be reported to public-health authorities in this state.
- Drug-Resistant Staph Germ's Toll Is Higher Than Thought Source: Washington Post (Wednesday October 17, 2007)
MRSA is killing more people in the United States each year than the AIDS virus.
- UK Doctors' long-sleeved coats banished to counter MRSA Source: The Guardian (Monday September 17, 2007)
New dress code for all National Health Services UK staff
- Super Germs Source: WLKY-Louiville, KY (Friday August 3, 2007)
Kentucky infection control specialist says hospitals across the US will have to eventually test patients for MRSA when they are admitted.
- Drug-resistant staph on the rise Source: Spokesman-Review (Sunday July 22, 2007)
MRSA infections have increased exponentially in the past decade.
- Pennsylvania aims at staph infections Source: Philadelphia Inquirer (Friday July 20, 2007)
Under a new Pennsylvania law, hospitals will be required to test high risk patients for MRSA.
- Report on MRSA to show superbug is widespread in hospitals Source: Medical.Net (Sunday June 24, 2007)
Report on the results of the first nationwide study on the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in U.S to be released.
- Two bacteria strains, Two challenges Source: Dallas Morning News (Thursday May 3, 2007)
MRSA is getting a lot of attention nationally because of its increasing prevalence and virulence.
- VA Hospital Fights Superbug Source: KHOU - Houston (Tuesday December 26, 2006)
Veterans' hospitals are taking the offensive against MRSA and one in Pittsburgh has seen a 60% reduction in MRSA.
- Screening for safety Source: ABC-7 Chicago (Wednesday October 18, 2006)
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare's three hospitals are screening patients for MRSA to prevent the spread of these antibiotic resistant infections.
- Isolating and screening hospitalized patients reduces spread of community-acquired MRSA
Success programs in the Netherlands point the way for U.S. hospitals.
- MRSA infection deadly in Pennsylvania Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette (Friday August 25, 2006)
A new Pennsylvania report shows that patients infected with MRSA were four times as likely to die and had longer hospital stays than patients who were not infected with the antibiotic-resistant infection.
- VA starts war on bacterial infection Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette (Friday August 18, 2006)
The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System has begun an effort to help veterans hospitals around the nation eliminate infections from MRSA.
- Pittsburgh VA system leads superbug reduction effort Source: KDKA-TV (Wednesday August 2, 2006)
The Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System is leading a nationwide effort to reduce infections caused by MRSA in hospitals.
- MRSA checks before patients go in Source: Guardian (Sunday June 12, 2005)
Some leading hospitals in the UK are screening patients for MRSA before they are admitted in an effort to minimize infection risks.
- Hospitals try to ward off nasty MRSA bacteria Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette (Wednesday April 27, 2005)
Hospitals in western Pennsylvania are adopting a set of special procedures aimed at protecting patients from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, a difficult to treat and sometimes fatal infection.
- Super-Resistant Superbugs Source: 60 Minutes (Sunday May 2, 2004)
Antibiotics have been so overused that a new breed of "superbugs" is now resistant to almost all antibiotics. One of these is MRSA, a staph bacteria, that triggers infections so severe that they can turn deadly in days. It is also a prevalent hospital-acquired infection. 60 Minutes reports.
Research and Reports
- NEJM: Targeted versus Universal Decolonization to Prevent ICU Infection Source: New England Journal of Medicine (Thursday June 13, 2013)
Free Preview: Targeted versus Universal Decolonization to Prevent ICU Infection. Study finds: In routine ICU practice, universal decolonization was more effective than targeted decolonization or screening and isolation in reducing rates of MRSA clinical isolates and bloodstream infection from any pathogen.
- A Perspective on the Evidence Regarding Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Surveillance (Free Access) Source: Journal of Patient Safety (Tuesday August 7, 2012)
The manuscript on MRSA Surveillance and the not setting of standards which was published in the Journal of Patient Safety is now FREE ACCESS. This article by Health Watch USA tells part of the story of the behind the USA not setting standards for MRSA Surveillance. "The publication in prominent journals of 2 studies, the STAR*ICU Study and the MRSA-Swiss Study, seems to have had a disproportionate impact on health-care policy, which has stymied the widespread adoption of MRSA active surveillance testing in hospitals." — Journal of Patient Safety, Aug. 2012.
- CDC: Predicting Risk for Death from MRSA Bacteremia Source: CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases (Monday June 25, 2012)
CDC publishes new study that identifies factors associated with risk of death from MRSA.
- ResistanceMap: Expanded, Updated, and Interactive
ResistanceMap – an online tool for visualizing antibiotic resistance from Extending the Cure – launches a second edition today with more bacteria-antibiotic combinations, U.S.-Canada-Europe comparisons of resistance trends, and lots of opportunities to interact with the data.
- Bedbugs as Vectors for Drug-Resistant Bacteria
CDC: Bedbugs carrying MRSA and/or VRE may have the potential to act as vectors for transmission. Further studies are needed to characterize the association between S. aureus and bedbugs.
- Testimony on Healthcare Acquired Infections and Public Reporting
Presentation by Kevin Kavanagh, MD on Healthcare Acquired Infections and public reporting which was given to the Kentucky Joint Senate and House Committee on Veterans, Millitary Affairs and Public Protection.
- Veterans Affairs Initiative to Prevent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections
Three year MRSA prevention program yields significant results – CDC should make MRSA screening a tier one prevention category.
- Study finds MRSA screening saves hospitals money
Screening patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) produces cost savings for the whole hospital, according to a study in the American Journal of Infection Control.
- MRSA Trends in Illinois Hospitals: 2002-2007
In 2002, there were 6,841 cases of MRSA diagnosed by Illinois hospitals. This number has increased steadily each year, with 11,372 cases diagnosed in 2007, a 66.2 percent increase in total cases over the six-year period.
- Extending the Cure: MRSA Map
Interactive map on the spread of MRSA in the US
- California HealthCare Foundation: Hospital-Acquired Infections
California HealthCare Foundation articles on hospital-acquired infections.
- The role of Surveillance Cultures in the Prevention of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Acute Care Facilities
Health Watch USA literature review on the prevention of MRSA including surveillance cultures.
- Presentation to legislative committee on Public reporting of hospital infection rates in KY by Kevin Kavanagh, HealthWatchUSA.
Links to handouts and presentation:
- Demonstrating Return on Investment for Infection Prevention and Control
The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority has produced a report outlining the need for investment in infection prevention.
- Veterans Health Administration MRSA Initiative February 2010 (PDF)
Veterans Health Administration five-year plan to reduce MRSA infections in VA hospitals.
- Veterans Health Administration 2010 MRSA Study (PDF)
Health Watch USA has obtained VA results of hospital acquired infection rates for MRSA.
- Veterans Health Administration MRSA Initiative January 2007 (PDF)
Data was collected while patients were treated under VHA Directive 2007-002 which mandated universal active surveillance/screening of all patients admitted to the VA Hospital (except psychiatric units), contact precautions and hand hygiene.
- State Plans to Address Healthcare-Associated Infections
Plans about what the states are supposed to be doing to eliminate hospital acquired infections.
- Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority 2009 Annual Report
PA annual report on state activities relating to hospital infections and medical errors.
- New Mexico MRSA Collaborative reports year-long results on MRSA bloodstream infections (PDF)
The New Mexico MRSA Collaborative reports that, after its year-long efforts to reduce healthcare-acquired MRSA infections, participating hospitals reduced their rate of MRSA bloodstream infections by 48 percent over 12 months. In essence, about 17 MRSA cases were avoided as a result of the efforts made by collaborative participants. Read the report here.
- Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Home Care Settings
Study finds nearly 13% of hospital patients leave with MRSA and pass the superbug on to nearly 20% of the people in their households.
- 10 Steps for Students to Prevent MRSA
Are you a student? Learn how to protect yourself from MRSA by using this printable pocket guide prepared by Nile's Project.
- 15 Steps to Prevent Infections in Hospitals
Printable pocket guide prepared by Nile's Project.
- MRSA Fact Sheet (PDF)
Informational flier prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- State Laws Relating to Hospital-Acquired Infections
Twenty-six states have enacted some form of reporting law, requiring hospitals, and sometimes other health care facilities, to submit infection data to the state or the Centers for Disease Control, and release this information to the public on the Internet.
- Testimony in support of MRSA reporting bill (PDF)
Testimony on MRSA bill to the Senate Finance Committee considered by the 2009 Maryland General Assembly.
- A Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals
A Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals puts existing guidelines and clinical experience into a more practical format that is more useful to health care workers and hospital staff and can help hospitals design comprehensive infection control programs. The compendium covers surgical site infections, central-line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, MRSA, and Clostridium difficile.
- Superbug / MRSA California epidemic
Clips from a California hearing on MRSA. Sen. Florez questions California medical experts. Includes testimony from Betsy Imholz (Consumers Union) and Carole Moss (the Nile's Project). Video produced by the Nile's Project MRSA (www.nilesproject.com).
- Pets and MRSA
UK website about MRSA in pets and transmission
- Health Guide: MRSA Infection
Background information on causes, symptoms, treatment, and other resources
- What is the main way that staph or MRSA is transmitted in the community? Q & A from the CDC
The main mode of transmission of staph and/or MRSA is via hands which may become contaminated by contact with a) colonized or infected individuals, b) colonized or infected body sites of other persons, or c) devices, items, or environmental surfaces contaminated with body fluids containing staph or MRSA. Other factors contributing to transmission include skin-to-skin contact, crowded conditions, and poor hygiene.
- Health-Care Associated MRSA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web page on MRSA
- Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the United States
Study reveals overwhelming majority of MRSA infections are acquired in hospitals and health care settings.
- Infections with MRSA in U.S. Hospitals, 1993-2005
The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project reports on the rise in antibiotic-resistant MRSA infection in hospitals.
- Report: MRSA infections are 8.6 times more prevalent than previous estimates
The antibiotic-resistant bacteria is found in all wards throughout most hospitals. The study is the first nationwide analysis on the prevalence of MRSA in U.S. healthcare facilities.
- Institute of Progressive Medicine says hospitals should screen all patients for MRSA
Institute criticizes statement by infection control groups opposing MRSA screening for all hospital patients.
- Invasive MRSA infections among dialysis patients
A new report by the CDC underscores the need for better surveillance and infection-control strategies in dialysis centers.
- Plexus Institute seeks solutions to MRSA
A bacteria that stalks every patient admitted to a hospital in this country.
- CDC guidelines on managing antibiotic-resistant infections in health care settings
New guidelines for U.S. health care facilities to control drug-resistant infections are strictly voluntary and fail to recommend proven prevention practices.
- Active surveillance cultures helping to control infections
The use of active surveillance cultures to screen patients for MRSA, along with appropriate precautions for infected patients is a promising new strategy for preventing and controlling hospital infectons.
- MRSA Watch: Tracking the rise of antibodic resistant infections
MRSA Watch site gives extensive information about studies, guidelines and recent stories about MRSA in the UK.
- Lack of Commitment to Cleaner Hospitals in the UK, Patients Association reports
A report by The Patients Association into hospital acquired infections reveals haphazard approach towards screening patients for MRSA.
- A proactive approach to educate patients about and prevent hospital-acquired infections
The Saskatoon Health Region in Canada has taken a proactive approach to educate their patients about and prevent hospital-acquired infections, including information about rates of infection. They have developed fact sheets for patients about common hospital infections MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile including how patients
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
CDC pages on healthcare-acquired infections and community-acquired infections
- Drug-resistant staphylococcus bacteria
Drug-resistant staphylococcus bacteria, which once threatened mainly patients in hospitals and nursing homes, have spread beyond the institutional walls and are now striking young, healthy people at a growing rate. The bugs, mainly new strains of the types lurking in hospitals, are spread by contact with infected skin or simply by sharing towels, clothing, or other personal items.
- Community-Associated MRSA - Frequently Asked Questions
MRSA is a staph infection that is resistant to treatment by common antibiotics. Recently, "community acquired" MRSA ("CA-MRSA") has been on the increase. The CDC has information available about MRSA.