Clostridioides difficile
Decreasing Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the top priorities of Nebraska DHHS Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) team. There has been little change in CDI rate over time, despite downward trends with other HAIs in Nebraska.
CDI is a major health threat. A 2015 CDC study found that it caused almost half a million infections in the United States in a single year. An estimated 15,000 deaths are directly attributable to CDI, making it a substantial cause of infectious disease death in the United States.
Nebraska ICAP is partnering with Nebraska DHHS on a CDC-funded grant to address CDI rates in targeted healthcare facilities in Nebraska. This project will be a collaborative between the targeted healthcare facilities, NE ICAP and DHHS, and will focus on CDI prevention and control.
Educational Information
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
Environmental Services Cleaning Guidebook – Minnesota DHHS
CDC Environmental-Cleaning-Checklist
EPA list of cleaning products effective against C. difficile
Equipment Cleaning Guidelines Template – Rochester Patient Safety Collaborative
EVS checklist for containment of CDI – CMS & HSAG
Diagnostic Stewardship
Guidelines
Hand Hygiene
Management
NE DHHS Interfacility transfer form
Algorithm for management of C. difficile in LTC facilities – MDH
Duration of Contact Precautions for Acute Care Settings
Early ID and containment of C. difficile – National Nursing Home Quality Improvement Campaign
Enhanced Standard Precautions for skilled nursing facilities, 2019