Horizontal infection prevention measures and a risk-managed approach to vancomycin-resistant enterococci: An evaluation

Background The use of infection control measures in the management of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is hotly debated. A risk-managed approach to VRE control after the introduction of 2 horizontal infection prevention measures—an environmental cleaning (EC) and an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program—was assessed. Methods Routine screening for VRE was discontinued 6 and 4 months after introduction of the EC and AMS programs, respectively. Only 4 units (intensive care, burns-trauma, solid organ transplant, and bone marrow transplant units) where patients were deemed to be at increased risk for VRE infection continued screening and contact precautions. Cost avoidance and value-added benefits were monitored by the hospital finance department. VRE monitoring on these high-risk units and facility-wide comprehensive bacteremia surveillance continued as per established protocols. Surveillance for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remained unchanged. Results VRE bacteremia rates did not increase with the change to the VRE risk-managed approach. The number of patients requiring VRE isolation in all areas of the hospital decreased from an average of 32 to 6 beds per day. Statistically significant reductions in CDI and MRSA rates were observed possibly related to the aggressive decluttering, equipment cleaning, and AMS program elements. Conclusion A risk-managed approach to VRE can be implemented without adverse consequences and potentially with significant benefits to a facility.