A COMPUTER-SIMULATION MODEL FOR THE SPREAD OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS CAUSED BY MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT PATHOGENS

A Monte Carlo simulation model was developed for the spread of antibio tic-resistant bacteria in hospital units. The model allows for the rep resentation of every patient and staff member. Staff-patient interacti ons, staff handwashing compliance, admission of colonized patients, an d antibiotic use are included in the model. The simulation model provi des colonization curves for patients and staff and offers the possibil ity of simulating different kinds of hospital units. Simulation of the spread of an antibiotic-resistant pathogen in an intensive care unit was performed. We studied the impact of handwashing compliance on colo nization. The importance of handwashing in preventing colonization and the influence of admission of colonized patients in perpetuating an e pidemic were confirmed by the model. The model offers a new approach t o modeling the spread of nosocomial pathogens in hospital units. It al lows one to study the impact of infection control measures and represe nts a valuable educational tool for staff. (C) 1997 Academic Press.