Impact of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile

To investigate the impact of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) on hospital costs and patient length of stay.

Data from the 2007-2008 New York State Department of Health's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database was analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics.

After analysis of 4 853 800 patient discharges, the incidence rate of hospital-acquired CDI was 0.8 cases per 1000 discharges. The estimated marginal cost associated with each hospital infection was approximately $29 000. The estimated annual cost of CDI in New York State was approximately $55 million with nearly 23 000 additional hospital days.

The development of hospital-acquired CDI is associated with a significant increase in hospital costs and patient length of stay. Extrapolation of these estimates to all US hospitals suggests this condition represents a major burden to the US healthcare system. Our findings may help hospitals understand the impact of these infections, as well as potential implications if deemed preventable by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and/or private payers. Additionally, this information may benefit hospitals or health care systems transitioning to alternative payment models, such as episode-based payments or accountable care. Healthcare providers and hospitals would benefit from better understanding the impact and frequency of these infections in order to best target preventive strategies.