Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
Hand hygiene remains the single most effective intervention to prevent the spread of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) in healthcare settings. Implementing an audit and feedback system significantly improves compliance and reduces VRE transmission.
Step-by-Step Justification:
* Hand Hygiene Compliance Audit and Feedback (Best Strategy)
* Studies show that poor hand hygiene is the primary mode of VRE transmission in hospitals.
* Implementing real-time auditing with feedback ensures sustained compliance and helps identify weak areas.
* Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
* A. Screening all patients and isolating VRE-positive patients:
* While screening helps identify carriers, contact precautions alone are not sufficient without strong hand hygiene enforcement.
* B. Restricting vancomycin use:
* While antimicrobial stewardship is crucial, vancomycin use alone does not drive VRE outbreaks-poor infection control practices do.
* D. Conducting environmental sampling weekly:
* Routine sampling is not necessary; immediate terminal disinfection and improved hand hygiene are more effective.
CBIC Infection Control References:
* APIC Text, "VRE Prevention and Hand Hygiene," Chapter 11.
* APIC-JCR Workbook, "Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Measures," Chapter 7.