How an Inpatient Nephrology Unit Achieved a 90% Reduction in Hospital-Onset Clostridioides difficile Infections

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. These highly contagious bacteria colonize the intestinal tract after normal gut flora has been disrupted, such as with the use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive agents. Patients who are experiencing an active C. diff infection often exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, such as loose, watery stools. C. diff infection is an increasingly frequent cause of morbidity and death among adult hospitalized patients. A disproportionate number of hospital-acquired C. diff infections were attributed to a nephrology unit at Henry Ford Hospital. Through early detection, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culture change, the unit was able to reduce hospital-acquired C. diff infections by 90%.