Variability of contact precaution policies in US emergency departments

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014 Mar;35(3):310-2. doi: 10.1086/675285. Epub 2014 Feb 3.

Abstract

Contact precautions policies in US emergency departments have not been studied. We surveyed a structured random sample and found wide variation; for example, 45% required contact precautions for stool incontinence or diarrhea, 84% for suspected Clostridium difficile, and 79% for suspected methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Emergency medicine departments and organizations should enact policies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catheter-Related Infections / prevention & control
  • Clostridioides difficile
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Data Collection
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / standards*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / prevention & control
  • Hand Hygiene / standards
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  • Organizational Policy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • United States / epidemiology