Authors: (including presenting author): :
Kwan WY(1), Tsang WM(1), Wong KWC(2), Yuen YC(2), Chung CFJ(2), Shum R(1).
Affiliation: :
(1) Infection Control Team, Tseung Kwan O Hospital.
(2) Department of Medicine, Tseung Kwan O Hospital.
Keyword 1: :
Multi-drug Resistance Organism (MDRO)
Keyword 2: :
MRSA suppressive therapy
Keyword 3: :
MDRO clearance
Keyword 4: :
Infection control
Keyword 5: :
Hospital-acquired infection prevention
Keyword 6: :
Non-acute wards
Introduction: :
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) remain a major challenge in healthcare, particularly in medical non-acute wards where patients often experience prolonged stays. Colonization with MDROs is especially common among elderly patients and residents transferred from old age homes. The presence of MDROs not only increases the risk of hospital-acquired infections but also creates barriers to patient discharge and interhospital transfer, leading to access block and reduced patient flow. These issues contribute to extended length of stay (LOS), higher healthcare costs, and diminished patient satisfaction. To address these concerns, the TKOH Infection Control Team (ICT) initiated a targeted MDRO reduction and clearance program aimed at improving infection control and patient outcomes.
Objectives: :
-To reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections associated with MDRO colonization.
-To accelerate patient discharge and facilitate smoother interhospital transfers.
-To improve patient satisfaction by reducing isolation requirements and enhancing quality of care.
Methodology: :
The program focused on patients identified with MRSA colonization following assessment by Infection Control Nurses (ICN). Targeted patients received MRSA suppressive therapy, which included topical treatment and infection control reinforcement. To support this intervention, an additional bathing team support was obtained to ensure consistent patient hygiene practices. Proactive screening for MDRO clearance was conducted at regular intervals to monitor progress. Staff were engaged through education sessions to reinforce infection control practices and ensure compliance. A pilot phase was implemented, during which patient outcomes, staff feedback, and resource utilization were closely monitored before full-scale rollout.
Result & Outcome: :
As of 28 February 2026, 56 patients were receiving MRSA suppressive therapy, 64.3 % of whom were residents of Old Aged Homes. The selected cohort achieved a 39 % negative post‑screening result rate, and the program successfully cleared MDROs among long‑stay patients. Hospital‑acquired MRSA incidences in the pilot ward declined, and staff reported increased confidence in MDRO management, citing positive feedback on the additional bathing support and proactive screening measures. Patients reported enhanced comfort and satisfaction, notably due to reduced isolation requirements and smoother discharge processes.
