INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE INFECTION

Watkins, Sian MA, BSc, DipN, RN
Ames, Judy BSc, DipN, RN

Sian Watkins, MA, BSc, DipN, RN, is matron, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust; Judy Ames, BSc, DipN, RN, is infection control nurse specialist, Norfolk PCT.

For the full version of this paper including results, full methodology, discussion and recommendations, log on tonursingtimes.net, click NT Clinical and Archive and then Clinical Extra

Nursing Times 102(49):p 30-31, December 5, 2006.

Clostridium difficile is the major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in older people. The implications of increasing levels of this infection were recognised on a medical ward for older people at an acute teaching hospital. Measures were identified and implemented by different members of the healthcare team. This article discusses the steps taken to reduce C. difficile infection, which improved outcomes for patients. This is a summary: the full paper can be accessed atnursingtimes.net.