povidone-iodine
solution. They're
packaged in ampules
or in pre-moistened,
ready-to-use swab-
sticks. We tested an
alcohol-based formu-
lation.
Topical mupirocin
applied to the anteri-
or nares has long
been the first line of
therapy for MRSA
carriage reduction, but there is growing evidence of resistance of S.
aureus and MRSA to mupirocin. We grow increasingly concerned
each time we hear a report about another resistant strain of S.
aureus.
An added benefit to using an antiseptic instead of an antibiotic for
nasal decolonization: antibiotic stewardship. The CDC notes that
antibiotic stewardship, the commitment to use antibiotics only when
necessary to treat or prevent disease, is the surest way to slow the
development and spread of antibiotic-resistant infections.
In addition to patient nasal decolonization carried out by the staff
during the pre-operative preparation, our spine surgeons and staff
swabbed themselves as well in an effort to decrease the chances of
cross-contamination from staff to patients. Pre- op nurses, the surgical
staff — including nurses, technicians and the surgeon — and the post-
anesthesia care unit nurses agreed to participate in the trial through
self-application of the nasal antiseptic. Studies have found that nearly
1 in 3 healthcare workers are carrying undetected MRSA or S. aureus.
6 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7
• STAFF PARTICIPATION Staff swabbed themselves with a topical antiseptic in an effort to decrease
the chances of cross-contamination
Baylor
Orthopedic
&
Spine
Hospital
