Is methicillin resistance associated with a worse prognosis in Staphylococcus aureus ventilator-associated pneumonia?
Differences in patient characteristics, initial ICU treatment, and time in the ICU confounded estimates of excess death due to MRSA VAP. After careful adjustment, methicillin resistance did not affect ICU or hospital mortality rates.
Patient-centeredness was associated with better outcomes and higher cost. For either the short run or long run, managers, patients, and purchasers should determine whether the improvement in outcomes and patient satisfaction associated with becoming patient centered is worth the investment in costs.