Using Focus Groups to Revise an Educational Booklet for People Living With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

The incidence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has grown in epidemic proportions; in many individuals, MRSA causes recurrent infections. MRSA infections can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact or contact with contaminated objects. Once confined to hospitalized individuals, MRSA is now seen in otherwise healthy individuals and congregate community settings. There is a demand for educational materials to guide MRSA patients in self-care, preventing recurrences, and reducing transmission. In 2004, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in Washington State led the effort to create an educational booklet for people with MRSA. Due to resource constraints, it was created without audience testing. In 2005, the revision of Living With MRSA involved audience testing using two focus groups comprising people living with MRSA and their families. This report describes the work of an interdisciplinary professional work group using focus groups to revise an educational booklet for people living with MRSA as patients, family members, and caregivers.