Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Founder and President of Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS), has written a white paper for Infection Control Today on nasal decolonization.

The white paper is titled "Nasal Decolonization's Broadening Application: Replacing Contact Precautions." Its summary is as follows:

"Despite the continued growth of evidence that universal decolonization is more effective than targeted screen and isolate protocols in reducing HAIs, concerns for antibiotic over-use has fostered the reluctance of some to adopt the universal approach. With the availability of a nonantibiotic nasal decolonization alternative, infection preventionists, infectious disease personnel, nursing managers accountable for HAIs on their units, surgeons and other professionals responsible for patient care and safety have reason to re-consider the advantages of universal decolonization. These advantages extend to several areas in which the reduction of MRSA infection and transmission is paramount, most certainly including efforts to reduce the use of contact precautions."

This white paper discuss the following:

• The history of contact precautions for patients with MRSA
• Assessing the benefits of contact precautions
• Negative impacts associated with the use of contact precautions
• The road to reducing the use of contact precautions

To download the white paper, visit this webpage.