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Considering the precautionary principle and its application to MRSA and SARS-CoV-2 as emerging novel pathogens of their time
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 13:31 authored by Harris, J, Hazel MaxwellHazel Maxwell, Susan DoddsIn the 1980s Contact Precautions were introduced as a precautionary measure to control the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance in hospitals, particularly methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Today, antimicrobial resistance remains a concerning global public health threat, and a focus for hospital patient safety priorities. In late 2019 a novel respiratory virus described as SARS-CoV-2, was reported. Just as MRSA had prompted control measures developed in the context of limited information and understanding of the pathogen, public health control measures against SARS-CoV-2 were promptly and strictly implemented. Whilst SARS-CoV-2 control measures were successful at containing the virus, numerous detrimental socio-economic and health impacts have led to a rebalancing of harms versus benefits and loosening of restrictions. Conversely, evidence collated over the past 50 years, suggests that Contact Precautions are not superior to well-applied standard infection prevention and control precautions in controlling MRSA acquisition in hospitals. Several harms associated with Contact Precautions, affecting patient safety, financial costs, and organisational culture, are described. However, rebalancing of hospital MRSA control policies has been slow to materialise.
History
Publication title
Infection, Disease & HealthPagination
1-5ISSN
2468-0451Department/School
School of Health SciencesPublisher
Elsevier BVPlace of publication
NetherlandsRights statement
© 2022 Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Repository Status
- Restricted