What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the impact of MRSA precaution policy changes on infection rates during the pandemic.

March 15, 2026Open Access

Estimating changes in facility MRSA infection rates due to changes in MRSA precaution policy

Key Points

To assess the impact of MRSA precaution policy changes on infection rates during the pandemic.
Evaluated changes in facility MRSA infection rates
Accounted for baseline burden of infections
Considered unmeasured pandemic-related practices
Discontinuation of MRSA precautions was not consistently linked to increased HAIs
Facility-specific factors influenced infection control outcomes
Need for flexible, context-sensitive prevention policies was emphasized

Abstract

Discontinuation of MRSA prevention practices during the pandemic was not consistently linked to increased HAIs after accounting for baseline burden. Findings emphasize the role of facility-specific factors and modeling assumptions in evaluating infection control. Unmeasured pandemic-related practices (e.g., masking, PPE use) likely also influenced transmission, highlighting the need for flexible, context-sensitive, evidence-based infection prevention policies.

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Discussion

Authors

Karim Khader

Candace Haroldsen

Vanessa Stevens

Journals

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Actions

Institutions

University of Utah

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System

References and Citations

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Building similarity graph...

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Estimating changes in facility MRSA infection rates due to changes in MRSA precaution policy

Key Points

Abstract

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

Authors

Journals

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

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