Exploring patients' views on colonisation with meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
his qualitative study follows previous research on how meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) affects patients as reported by healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to research the phenomenon of being colonised with MRSA from the patient's perspective. A total of 14 patients were interviewed following discharge from hospital, transcripts were then analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. The key findings are reported under the four themes of information provision, patient understanding, lived experience and information needs. Poor information provision was a key theme, experienced by many patients. This resulted in some patients feeling confused and often anxious, and for some affected their lives both in and out of hospital. Providing good quality and reassuring information appropriate to the patient and their current condition is key to improving understanding, deflecting the impact of the media and reducing significance of this symptom-free state. Recommendations for practice include enhanced training for healthcare workers on how to address sensitively the patient's information needs and reduce unnecessary confusion and distress.