Table 1 Primary and secondary objectives

Primary research question

Does the implementation of measures in the primary care setting including ambulatory screening and decontamination reduce MRSA and MSSA colonization rates upon hospital admission?

Secondary objectives

Do primary care measures (patient supervision and support through GP practices pre- and post-surgery) reduce recolonization rates (MRSA) amongst patients who underwent elective surgery?

Does a reduction in MSSA colonization upon hospital admission correlate with an improved quality of care measured by a reduction in surgical site infections, length of stay and rehospitalisation?

Does the implementation of decontamination measures in the primary care setting lead to a reduction of associated costs for patients undergoing elective surgery?

How is the feasibility of the intervention evaluated by participating GP practices?

How do patients evaluate the feasibility of the decontamination in the home environment?