Effects of Isolation on Patients with MRSA Jeffrey W. Lyter
Grand Canyon University: NRS 433
August 2, 2013

Effects of Isolation on Patients with MRSA Methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a dangerous and common occurrence within the healthcare setting. The methods to prevent the spread of MRSA infection are well known such as: covering wounds, cleaning hands, not sharing of personal items and maintaining a clean environment are well established (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010). This, however, can subject patients to decreased contact with medical staff, treatment times, and use to facilities and equipment for rehabilitation. Patients in isolation often develop feelings of seclusion and depression. Nursing staff faced with increasing time constraints and responsibilities may also find donning of personal protective equipment (PPE), each time when entering a patients room, unreasonable and frustrating. While the current methods of isolation have proven effective and best practice, it is imperative to acknowledge and be mindful to the potentially adverse effects that accompany the isolating patients with MRSA. Examination of the study, “Patient experience of source isolation: Lessons for clinical practice”, will reveal the issues, methods, implications and ethical concerns familiar with patients isolated due to MRSA.
Research Summary
The mounting rates of MRSA infections reported worldwide have prompted the healthcare community to use multiple avenues to its break chain of transmission. One mode is to place those with MRSA positive cultures on source isolation and contact precautions. As fewer pharmaceutical treatments options are coming available, higher priority is being placed on infection control and prevention (Barratt, Shaban, & Moyle, 2011). This is significant for nursing due to the fact that we