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Supporting care homes to cut C difficile reinfections
Sue Smith1, Kevin Lawler, Lesley Wharton
1North Tees and Hartlepool Foundation Trust.
Nursing Times
|March 19, 2013
Summary
Community-based interventions reduced recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. A project involving deep cleaning and nurse support in care homes successfully lowered C. difficile recurrence rates, preventing hospital readmissions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Hospital-based infection control measures for Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) were implemented.
- Recurrent C. difficile infections were observed in community patients, leading to hospital readmissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reduce C. difficile recurrences in community patients, specifically those in care homes.
- To investigate the effectiveness of a targeted intervention in preventing infection readmissions.
Main Methods:
- A project was initiated providing free or partially funded deep cleaning of care home residents' rooms.
- Skilled nurses offered support and training to care home staff on infection control practices.
Main Results:
- The intervention led to a measurable reduction in C. difficile recurrences.
- The initiative successfully addressed a gap in community-based infection prevention.
Conclusions:
- Targeted interventions in care homes are effective in reducing C. difficile recurrence.
- Community-focused infection control strategies are crucial for preventing hospital readmissions.
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