Changes in the molecular epidemiological characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective: To determine whether the molecular epidemiological characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) had changed in a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Design: Retrospective review of medical records.

Setting: Level III NICU of a university-affiliated children's hospital in New York, New York.

Frequency and types of alerts for antibiotic prescribing in a neonatal ICU.

Sepsis in neonates is a significant problem that carries with it severe morbidity and mortality. Managing antibiotics in this population is therefore an important issue. We studied clinical alerts currently in place to support antibiotic prescribing in a neonatal intensive care unit in order to ensure that appropriate information is being provided in a way that is consistent with current recommendations.

Sociotechnical analysis of a neonatal ICU.

Sociotechnical theory has been used to inform the development of computer systems in the complex and dynamic environment of healthcare. The key components of the sociotechnical system are the workers, their practices, their mental models, their interactions, and the tools used in the work process. We conducted a sociotechnical analysis of a neonatal intensive care unit towards the development of decision support for antimicrobial prescribing.