Related Experiment Videos
Effectiveness of infection control program in controlling nosocomial Clostridium difficile
A B Zafar1, L A Gaydos, W B Furlong
1Infection Control, Administration, Infectious Diseases, Pharmacy, Quality Assurance, Columbia Arlington Hospital, VA 22205, USA.
American Journal of Infection Control
|December 4, 1998
Summary
Comprehensive infection control measures significantly reduced Clostridium difficile (CD) infections in a teaching hospital. Implementing interventions like enhanced isolation and hygiene practices led to a 60% decrease in CD incidence.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
- Hospital Management
Background:
- Clostridium difficile (CD) infections pose a significant threat in acute-care settings.
- Effective control strategies are crucial to reduce nosocomial transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive infection control measures in reducing CD incidence.
- To assess the impact of multi-faceted interventions in an acute-care teaching hospital.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of all CD infections from 1987 to 1996.
- Implementation of interventions including revised isolation policies, education, phenolic disinfectant, triclosan soap, centralized sterilization, and enhanced surveillance starting in 1990.
Main Results:
- Prior to interventions (1987-1989), there were 466 CD infections (mean 155/year).
- After interventions (1990-1996), 475 CD infections occurred (mean 67/year).
- A 60% reduction in CD incidence was observed from 1990 to 1996.
Conclusions:
- Aggressive, multi-disciplinary infection control measures are highly effective in reducing nosocomial CD.
- Sustained decreases in CD incidence demonstrate the long-term success of these strategies.