[Optimising patient isolation due to methicllin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]

Isolation of patients is used to control the spread of certain microorganisms in the hospital, e.g. meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Recent investigations have shown that the quality of care for patients in isolation is affected significantly. However, this is not accompanied by an effect on the morbidity or mortality. The successful Dutch policy on MRSA is based largely on strict isolation of patients colonised with MRSA. If MRSA becomes endemic, this is accompanied by increases in morbidity and mortality as well as costs. The disadvantages of isolation are recognised and should be prevented as far as possible. New diagnostic and therapeutic developments can shorten the duration of isolation significantly, which will further improve the quality of care.