Reducing the Incidence of MRSA in a County Correctional Facility

WOCN Abstract
Practice Innovation Abstract
Reducing the Incidence of MRSA in a County Correctional Facility

Topic: The prevalence and incidence of MRSA in a county correctional facility.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to design and implement an education program for correctional facility staff (medical staff and detention officers), and detainees to decrease the spread of MRSA in correctional facilities.

Community acquired methicilllin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections and occurs at an average rate of 34.83 cases/100,000 with 6.33/100,000 deaths (CDC, 2006). The incidence and prevalence of MRSA has been steadily rising in correctional facilities (jails and prisons) in the United States. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice reported a 42% increase in MRSA from 1998 – 2002, Los Angeles County reported 921 cases in 20,000 inmates in 2002, and Georgia Department of Corrections reported increases in three state correctional facilities from 2001 to 2003 (Tobin-D’Angelo, et al. 2003). Although MRSA is a communicable disease, it is not a “notifiable disease” according to the CDC, therefore, the actual number of cases in jails is unknown (Wolfson, 2008). The rising incidence of MRSA in correctional facilities presents unique challenges. The close contact among inmates, hygienic practices, and sharing of personal items make the potential for MRSA outbreaks in the correctional facility population likely. A comprehensive education program is needed to address the spread of MRSA in correctional facilities.

Objective: Develop an educational model for use in correctional facilities that address the educational needs of the correctional staff and detainees.

Outcome: Increase knowledge of the spread of communicable diseases specifically MRSA within a correctional facility thereby reducing the incidence of MRSA.