Cost-Effectiveness Study Comparing Chlorhexidine Bathing With Active Surveillance Cultures to Prevent Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus & Other Hospital Infections

Cost-Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine Bathing vs. Active Surveillance Cultures to Prevent Acquisition of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Other Hospital-Acquired Infections: A Pilot Study

This pilot study in our medical intensive care unit will evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an active surveillance program for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), compared to routine daily bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated cloths. Outcomes include rate of MRSA acquisition, and of other hospital-acquired infections (e.g., catheter-associated bloodstream infections).

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) are eligible for inclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient refusal
• Contraindication to nasal swabbing (arm 1)
• Allergy/sensitivity to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) (arm 2)