Infection control for MRSA in a psychiatric hospital

Abstract

Objective: This article examines the challenges in treating methicillin resistant Staphlococcus Aureus (MRSA) in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit. Method: The article outlines a case study of one particularly difficult patient who presented to an acute psychiatric hospital with a large wound that was MRSA positive and reviews the dilemmas facing mental health providers. Results: The outcome of the case presented suggests that hospital policies interfered with the psychiatric treatment and recovery of an acutely ill patient as well as create possibly unnecessary costs. Conclusions: Hospitals should review their infection control policies to curb the spread of infection among patients and staff in an acute psychiatric setting. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.