Reply To: MRO management

Hi Monika

Please see the Aged Care IPC Guide – pg. 42-43 on MRO management https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/The-Aged-Care-Infection-Prevention-and-Control-Guide.pdf

If an older person is colonised with an MRO without signs or symptoms of infection (for example, all wounds are healed, and the older person is not on antimicrobial treatment) the use of standard precautions by aged care workers is suitable for ongoing management.

In previous organisations I have worked we used risk assessments to document suspected/confirmed colonised infections. i.e.:
Ideally, infection registers are for new active infections – once symptoms have resolved the infection report was closed. The documentation for ongoing risk management of an MRO was placed in an individuals notes risk assessment (or equivalent)  with directions on the management of the particular colonised and active infection (care, cleaning environment/equipment, laundry, waste, AT (as applicable)). This way, teams were aware of the diagnosis, and guided to use strong standard precautions (and ongoing increased room/bathroom cleaning/disinfection) while on the look out for possible repeat active MRO infection. Where symptoms presented, the directions for the management of active MRO infection could be initiated immediately.

On the ACIPC Aged Care Space – Aged Care in Focus – there is a webinar on the management of MRO in aged care, may also be useful:
https://www.acipc.org.au/members/ipc-in-aged-care/

Regards Carrie