Health Technology Assessment Report 9, Screening for MRSA (PDF, 1.44MB, 3min 35secs)
About the assessment
This Health Technology Assessment (HTA) considers evidence indicating the possible clinical and cost effectiveness benefits associated with MRSA screening programmes, and assesses the potential impact of the
findings in terms of patient management procedures, the patients themselves and the National Health Service in
Scotland (NHSScotland). Evidence identified by systematic literature searching and provided by experts and patient interest groups was critically appraised, and expert staff undertook robust analyses. Peer review and wide public consultation were undertaken to ensure that all views were considered.
Background
A major aspect of controlling the spread of MRSA is screening to identify colonised or infected patients, and
then managing them to reduce the risk of MRSA transmission to other individuals. Screening involves
taking swabs, and then carrying out laboratory analysis of these samples. The approach of screening all patients for MRSA colonisation was advocated by early guidelines.
However, as the problem has grown, such an approach has been suggested to be impractical, and increasingly
screening is targeted on the basis of a risk assessment of the likelihood of MRSA carriage.
Equality & Diversity
NHS QIS is committed to equality and diversity. This document, and the research on which it is based, have been assessed for any likely impact on the six equality groups defined by age, gender, race/ethnicity, religion/faith, disability and sexual orientation.