Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in a County Correctional Center: A Quality Improvement Project

The number of antibiotic-resistant infections continues to increase. In 2005, there were nearly 11,406 deaths from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in the United States. Since 1980, the United States has seen a 300% increase in the rate of incarceration. This is noteworthy because individuals who enter correctional facilities have an increased risk for MRSA skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and the risk of colonization proportional to the length of stay. Correctional institutions have a vested interest in improving the screening and treatment of MRSA SSTIs, as it is a costly and potentially preventable problem. This article describes the process of implementing an MRSA screening and treatment policy in a county correctional center.