Home Heath

I need to write a policy for MRSA precautions for our home health agency. I'm using the CDC as a reference but can't find specific guidance for home health. I know it's contact precautions, and leaving dedicated equipment in the home.

I am hung up on the duration: Should it be 1)  Until the patient completes the antibiotics? 2) Until the wound is no longer draining? 3) indefinite?

Thanks in advance!

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Wendy Schimek, RN, HCS-D, HCS-O
Senior Director of Quality and Compliance
SummitWest Care
Grand Junction CO
(970) 263-0202
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Patients generally do not get retested for cure.  I would say you would need disposable or dedicated equipment and contact precautions should be until the wound is no longer draining and antibiotics are finished in Home care settings..  In the skilled-care we do Enhanced Barrier Precautions for anyone that has hx of MRSA forever and ever amen. 

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[Meloni] [Jensen] [RN, BSN, MSM]
[Director, Quality Improvement]
[Providence St Joseph Home Care]
[Anaheim] [CA]
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