Excess Costs and Utilization Associated with Methicillin Resistance for Patients with Staphylococcus aureus Infection

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory A. Filice ◽  
John A. Nyman ◽  
Catherine Lexau ◽  
Christine H. Lees ◽  
Lindsay A. Bockstedt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Methicillin Resistance ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Department Of Veterans Affairs ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Excess Costs ◽  
Mrsa Infection ◽  
Mssa Infection

Objective.To determine differences in healthcare costs between cases of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection in adults.Design.Retrospective study of all cases of S. aureus infection.Setting.Department of Veterans Affairs hospital and associated clinics.Patients.There were 390 patients with MSSA infections and 335 patients with MRSA infections.Methods.We used medical records, accounting systems, and interviews to identify services rendered and costs for Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center patients with S. aureus infection with onset during the period from January 1, 2004, through June 30, 2006. We used regression analysis to adjust for patient characteristics.Results.Median 6-month unadjusted costs for patients infected with MRSA were $34,657, compared with $15,923 for patients infected with MSSA. Patients with MRSA infection had more comorbidities than patients with MSSA infection (mean Charlson index 4.3 vs 3.2; P < .001). For patients with Charlson indices of 3 or less, mean adjusted 6-month costs derived from multivariate analysis were $51,252 (95% CI, $46,041–$56,464) for MRSA infection and $30,158 (95% CI, $27,092–$33,225) for MSSA infection. For patients with Charlson indices of 4 or more, mean adjusted costs were $84,436 (95% CI, $79,843–$89,029) for MRSA infection and $59,245 (95% CI, $56,016–$62,473) for MSSA infection. Patients with MRSA infection were also more likely to die than were patients with MSSA infection (23.6% vs 11.5%; P < .001). MRSA infection was more likely to involve the lungs, bloodstream, and urinary tract, while MSSA infection was more likely to involve bones or joints; eyes, ears, nose, or throat; surgical sites; and skin or soft tissue (P < .001).Conclusions.Resistance to methicillin in S. aureus was independently associated with increased costs. Effective antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention programs are needed to prevent these costly infections.

Telehealth at the US Department of Veterans Affairs after Hurricane Sandy

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 310-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Der-Martirosian ◽  
Anne R Griffin ◽  
Karen Chu ◽  
Aram Dobalian
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Department Of Veterans Affairs ◽  
The Us ◽  
Hospital Closure ◽  
Patient Outreach ◽  
Qualitative Analyses

Background Like other integrated health systems, the US Department of Veterans Affairs has widely implemented telehealth during the past decade to improve access to care for its patient population. During major crises, the US Department of Veterans Affairs has the potential to transition healthcare delivery from traditional care to telecare. This paper identifies the types of Veterans Affairs telehealth services used during Hurricane Sandy (2012), and examines the patient characteristics of those users. Methods This study conducted both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Veterans Affairs administrative and clinical data files were used to illustrate the use of telehealth services 12 months pre- and 12 months post- Hurricane Sandy. In-person interviews with 31 key informants at the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Medical Center three-months post- Hurricane Sandy were used to identify major themes related to telecare. Results During the seven-month period of hospital closure at the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Medical Center after Hurricane Sandy, in-person patient visits decreased dramatically while telehealth visits increased substantially, suggesting that telecare was used in lieu of in-person care for some vulnerable patients. The most commonly used types of Veterans Affairs telehealth services included primary care, triage, mental health, home health, and ancillary services. Using qualitative analyses, three themes emerged from the interviews regarding the use of Veterans Affairs telecare post- Hurricane Sandy: patient safety, provision of telecare, and patient outreach. Conclusion Telehealth offers the potential to improve post-disaster access to and coordination of care. More information is needed to better understand how telehealth can change the processes and outcomes during disasters. Future studies should also evaluate key elements, such as adequate resources, regulatory and technology issues, workflow integration, provider resistance, diagnostic fidelity and confidentiality, all of which are critical to telehealth success during disasters and other crises.

Active Surveillance to Determine the Impact of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization on Patients in Intensive Care Units of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 503-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukesh Patel ◽  
Jeffrey D. Weinheimer ◽  
Ken B. Waites ◽  
John W. Baddley
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Active Surveillance ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Mrsa Infection ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mrsa Colonization

Objective.The impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization on mortality has not been well characterized. We sought to describe the impact of MRSA colonization on patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).Methods.We conducted a retrospective cohort study of ICU patients at the Birmingham VAMC during 2005 to evaluate the predictors of MRSA colonization and determine its effect on clinical outcomes. Surveillance cultures for MRSA were performed on admission to the ICU and weekly thereafter. Clinical findings, the incidence of MRSA infection, and mortality within 3 months after ICU admission were recorded. Predictors of mortality and S. aureus colonization were determined using multivariable models.Results.S. aureus colonization was present in 97 (23.3%) of 416 patients screened, of whom 67 (16.1%) were colonized with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and 30 (7.2%) with MRSA. All-cause mortality at 3 months among MRSA-colonized patients was significantly greater than that among MSSA-colonized patients (46.7% vs 19.4%; P = .009). MRSA colonization was an independent predictor of death (adjusted odds ratio [OR] ,3.7 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.5–8.9]; P = .003) and onset of MRSA infection after hospital discharge (adjusted OR, 7.6 [95% CI, 2.48–23.2]; P < .001). Risk factors for MRSA colonization included recent antibiotic use (adjusted OR, 4.8 [95% CI, 1.9–12.2]; P = .001) and dialysis (adjusted OR, 18.9 [95% CI, 2.1–167.8]; P = .008).Conclusions.Among ICU patients, MRSA colonization is associated with subsequent MRSA infection and an all-cause mortality that is greater than that for MSSA colonization. Active surveillance for MRSA colonization may identify individuals at risk for these adverse outcomes. Prospective studies of outcomes in MRSA-colonized patients may better define the role of programs for active MRSA surveillance.

scholarly journals Prior Vancomycin Use Is a Risk Factor for Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibility in Methicillin-Susceptible but Not Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara B. Mascitti ◽  
Paul H. Edelstein ◽  
Neil O. Fishman ◽  
Knashawn H. Morales ◽  
Andrew J. Baltus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia ◽  
Tertiary Care Medical Center ◽  
Healthcare Acquired Infections ◽  
Mrsa Infection ◽  
Substantial Morbidity ◽  
Mssa Infection

Objective.Staphylococcus aureus is a cause of community- and healthcare-acquired infections and is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs. Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) among S. aureus have increased, and reduced vancomycin susceptibility (RVS) may be associated with treatment failure. We aimed to identify clinical risk factors for RVS in S. aureus bacteremia.Design.Case-control.Setting.Academic tertiary care medical center and affiliated urban community hospital.Patients.Cases were patients with RVS S. aureus isolates (defined as vancomycin E-test MIC >1.0 μg/mL). Controls were patients with non-RVS S. aureus isolates.Results.Of 392 subjects, 134 (34.2%) had RVS. Fifty-eight of 202 patients (28.7%) with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates had RVS, and 76 of 190 patients (40.0%) with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates had RVS (P = .02). In unadjusted analyses, prior vancomycin use was associated with RVS (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–4.32; P = .046). In stratified analyses, there was significant effect modification by methicillin susceptibility on the association between vancomycin use and RVS (P = .04). In multivariate analyses, after hospital of admission and prior levofloxacin use were controlled for, the association between vancomycin use and RVS was significant for patients with MSSA infection (adjusted OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.11–14.50) but not MRSA infection (adjusted OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.36–2.13).Conclusions.A substantial proportion of patients with S. aureus bacteremia had RVS. The association between prior vancomycin use and RVS was significant for patients with MSSA infection but not MRSA infection, suggesting a complex relationship between the clinical and molecular epidemiology of RVS in S. aureus.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(2):160-166

Alternative Tertiary Care Pathways for a Rural Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Stajduhar ◽  
Janet A. Deneselya ◽  
Mathikere Rajachar ◽  
Gerhard Werner ◽  
David W. Kennard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Care Pathways ◽  
Department Of Veterans Affairs

scholarly journals Assessment of diabetic teleretinal imaging program at the Portland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace L. Tsan ◽  
Keely L. Hoban ◽  
Weon Jun ◽  
Kevin J. Riedel ◽  
Amy L. Pedersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Department Of Veterans Affairs

Prospective Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Nonneutropenic Adults With Malignancy

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 1110-1110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay K. Gopal ◽  
Vance G. Fowler ◽  
Manish Shah ◽  
Diane Gesty-Palmer ◽  
Kieren A. Marr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Methicillin Resistance ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia ◽  
Point Of Entry ◽  
Duke University ◽  
Initial Hospitalization ◽  
Overall Mortality

PURPOSE: To determine the primary sources and secondary complications of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) in cancer patients, as well as predictors of outcome in cancer patients with SAB.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients at Duke University Medical Center met entry criteria between September 1994 and December 1996 for this prospective cohort study involving hospitalized nonneutropenic adult cancer patients with SAB. All subjects were observed throughout initial hospitalization and were evaluated again at 6 and 12 weeks or until death.RESULTS: SAB was intravascular device–related in 42%, tissue infection–related (TIR) in 44%, and unidentifiable focus–related (UFR) in 13%. Seventeen patients (33%) were found to have metastatic infections or conditions, with eight (15%) developing infectious endocarditis (IE). Patients with TIR bacteremia were less likely than other patients to develop IE (4% v 24%, P = .06). The overall mortality rate was 38%, the SAB-related mortality rate was 15%, and the rate of SAB relapse was 12%. Methicillin resistance was not associated with adverse outcome. Inability to identify a point of entry (UFR bacteremia), however, was associated with a higher overall mortality rate (100% v 24%, P = .0006). Furthermore, a 72-hour surveillance blood culture positive for organisms was associated with an increased incidence of IE (P = .0006), metastatic infections or conditions (P = .0002), SAB relapse (P = .038), and SAB-related death (P = .038).CONCLUSION: SAB in cancer patients is associated with significant morbidity from frequent metastatic infections or conditions including IE, as well as considerable mortality. Unknown initial infection site and 72-hour surveillance cultures positive for organisms were predictive of a complicated course and poor final outcome.

Perception vs Reality: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Carriage Among Healthcare Workers at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora E. Colburn ◽  
Jennifer Cadnum ◽  
Elizabeth Flannery ◽  
Shelley Chang ◽  
Curtis J. Donskey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Infect Control Hosp ◽  
Prevalence Study ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Knowledge Deficit

In a prevalence study of 209 healthcare workers, 18 (8.6%) and 13 (6.2%) carried methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in their nares or on their hands, respectively. However, 100 (62%) of 162 workers completing an associated survey believed themselves to be colonized, revealing a knowledge deficit about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus epidemiology.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;37(1):110–112

Comparison of Mortality Risk Associated With Bacteremia Due to Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Shurland ◽  
Min Zhan ◽  
Douglas D. Bradham ◽  
Mary-Claire Roghmann
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Severe Sepsis ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Methicillin Resistance ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Mrsa Infection ◽  
Underlying Diseases ◽  
Related Mortality

Objective.To quantify the clinical impact of methicillin-resistance in Staphylococcus aureus causing infection complicated by bacteremia in adult patients, while controlling for the severity of patients' underlying illnesses.Design.Retrospective cohort study from October 1, 1995, through December 31, 2003.Patients and Setting.A total of 438 patients with S. aureus infection complicated by bacteremia from a single Veterans Affairs healthcare system.Results.We found that 193 (44%) of the 438 patients had methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection and 114 (26%) died of causes attributable to S. aureus infection within 90 days after the infection was identified. Patients with MRSA infection had a higher mortality risk, compared with patients with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) infections (relative risk, 1.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.4]; P < .01), except for patients with pneumonia (relative risk, 0.7 [95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.3]). Patients with MRSA infections were significantly older (P < .01), had more underlying diseases (P = .02), and were more likely to have severe sepsis in response to their infection (P < .01) compared with patients with MSSA bacteremia. Patients who died within 90 days after S. aureus infection was identified were significantly older (P < .01) and more likely to have severe sepsis (P < .01) and pneumonia (P = .01), compared with patients who survived. After adjusting for age as a confounder, comorbidities, and pneumonia as an effect modifier, S. aureus infection-related mortality remained significantly higher in patients with MRSA infection than in those with MSSA infection, among those without pneumonia (hazard ratio, 1.8 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.0]); P < .01.Conclusions.The results of this study suggest that patients with MRSA infections other than pneumonia have a higher mortality risk than patients with MSSA infections other than pneumonia, independent of the severity of patients' underlying illnesses.

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