Using the lived experiences of patients with Clostridium difficile infection to improve care

Madeo, Maurice MSc, RN
Boyack, Miriam BSc, RN

Maurice Madeo, MSc, RN, is deputy director for infection prevention and control
Miriam Boyack, BSc, RN, is infection prevention and control practitioner; both at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Foundation Trust.

Nursing Times 106(36):p 10-13, September 14, 2010.

Interviews were conducted with older people who haveC difficileinfection to increase understanding of their needs and experiences from their own perspective

ABSTRACT

Madeo M, Boyack M (2010) Using the lived experiences of patients withClostridium difficileinfection to improve care.Nursing Times;106: 36, 10-13.

Aim

To better understand the lived experiences and needs of patients who haveC difficileinfection.

Method

Interviews were conducted with 15 patients in an acute hospital using an interpretative phenomenological approach.

Results

Experiences vary and depend on the severity of each individual patient's condition, among other factors. Four main themes were identified: physical suffering impacting on activities of daily living; lack of control over bowel function; a lack of understanding of the illness; and issues around privacy and dignity.

Conclusion

Nursing and medical staff need a better understanding of the experiences of patients who haveC difficilein order to provide them with the knowledge, reassurance and dignity they need.