[MRSA/MDRO in rehabilitation--recommendation of the MDRO-Network Rhein-Main]

Abstract

The German national guideline to prevent the spread of MRSA in acute care hospitals demands isolation of patients with MRSA, whereas a guideline for management of MRSA/MRDO-patients in rehabilitation is pending. Many rehabilitation clinics believe they should isolate these patients and therefore deny rehabilitation of this patient group arguing that rehabilitation and isolation are incompatible. In order to improve the rehabilitation of MDRO-patients the MDRO network Rhein-Main has developed a recommendation for rehabilitation clinics.Based on literature data on the prevalence of MRSA/MDRO in rehabilitation clinics, the data on transmission of MDRO in such clinics and on existing recommendations, a new recommendation was established by experts in hygiene and by management of rehabilitation clinics in the region.Current studies in Germany as well as in France exhibit the same prevalence of MDRO patients in rehabilitation units as well as in acute care clinics. Transmission occurs mainly via hand contact during patient care or medical therapy in critically ill patients with high maintenance. However, the risk of transmissions in patients with great mobility is not increased. Hence, good standard hygiene, especially good hand hygiene both in staff and patients, is the key method to prevent transmission. Isolation or other restriction of mobility does not seem necessary. These data formed the basis of the newly established recommendation, which sets out in a clearly laid-out and tabular manner the standard hygiene procedures necessary for safe rehabilitation of all patients and the additional measures necessary for rehabilitation of MDRO-patients. The recommendation provides guidance and thus will enable a better rehabilitation of MDRO-patients.