Implementation of contact precautions for multidrug-resistant organisms in the post–COVID-19 pandemic era: An updated national Emerging Infections Network (EIN) survey

• Published in: Infection control and hospital epidemiology Vol. 45; no. 6; pp. 703 - 708
• Main Authors: Howard-Anderson, Jessica R., Gottlieb, Lindsey B., Beekmann, Susan E., Polgreen, Philip M., Jacob, Jesse T., Uslan, Daniel Z.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, USA Cambridge University Press 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Original Article
• ISSN: 0899-823X; 1559-6834
• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2024.11

To understand how healthcare facilities employ contact precautions for patients with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era and explore changes since 2014. Cross-sectional survey. Emerging Infections Network (EIN) physicians involved in infection prevention or hospital epidemiology. In September 2022, we sent via email an 8-question survey on contact precautions and adjunctive measures to reduce MDRO transmission in inpatient facilities. We also asked about changes since the COVID-19 pandemic. We used descriptive statistics to summarize data and compared results to a similar survey administered in 2014. Of 708 EIN members, 283 (40%) responded to the survey and 201 reported working in infection prevention. A majority of facilities (66% and 69%) routinely use contact precautions for methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) respectively, compared to 93% and 92% in 2014. Nearly all (>90%) use contact precautions for , carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and carbapenem-resistant . More variability was reported for carbapenem-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing gram-negative organisms. Compared to 2014, fewer hospitals perform active surveillance for MRSA and VRE. Overall, 90% of facilities used chlorhexidine gluconate bathing in all or select inpatients, and 53% used ultraviolet light or hydrogen peroxide vapor disinfection at discharge. Many respondents (44%) reported changes to contact precautions since COVID-19 that remain in place. Heterogeneity exists in the use of transmission-based precautions and adjunctive infection prevention measures aimed at reducing MDRO transmission. This variation reflects a need for updated and specific guidance, as well as further research on the use of contact precautions in healthcare facilities.