Accountability

Patient Safety Indicators

 

Hospital Acquired Infection Rates

Reporting Period –July 2022

 

Indicator
ERHHC

Clostridium Difficille (C-DIFF)

Rate per 1185 patient days: 0.0
# / new cases of: 0

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

0.0
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) 0.0

Hand Hygiene Compliance  
(Reported Annually)

Hand Hygiene

85%

 

 

Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI)

The C. difficile infection rate is calculated as a rate per 1,000 patient days. The "total patient days" represents the sum of the number of days during which services were provided to all inpatients during the given time period.

 

 

C. Difficile FAQ's 

 
What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)?

Clostridium difficile also known as, C. difficile or C diff, is a bacteria that can be found in stool (a bowel movement). C. difficile disease occurs when antibiotics kill your good bowel bacteria and allow the C. diffificile to grow. When C. difficile grows, it produces toxins that can damage the bowel and may cause diarrhea.

 

What are the symptoms?The usual symptoms are mild but can be severe. Main symptoms are watery diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain /tenderness. In some cases there may not be diarrhea. Blood may or may not be present in the stools. In severe cases, surgery may be needed and in extreme cases C. difficile may cause death.

 

How do I get it?

C. difficile is the most common cause of hospital infectious diarrhea. It can be part of the normal bacteria that live in the large intestine. Taking antibiotics can change the normal balance of bacteria in your large intestine making it easier for C. difficile to grow and cause an infection. Old age and the presence of other serious illnesses may increase the risk of C. difficile disease.

 

How will the Doctor know I have it?

If a C. difficile infection is suspected, you will be asked to give a stool sample that will be tested for the bacteria and/or its toxins. Most importantly, patients and hospital visitors should pay particular attention to good hand hygiene and follow the instructions given to you by the health care staff.

 

How does C diff spread?

The germs in the stool can soil surfaces like toilets, handles, bedpans and commode chairs. When touching these items, your hands can become soiled. If you then touch your mouth, you can swallow the germ. Your soiled hands can spread germs that can survive for a long time on other surfaces if not properly cleaned.

 

What precautions are used to prevent spread in hospital?

You may be placed in a private room until you are free from diarrhea for at least 72 hours. Your activities outside the room may be limited. Ask your nurse if you have any questions about hand hygiene. Hands must be washed after using the toilet or bedpan, before eating, before entering the room and before leaving the room. Signs are placed on the outside of your door called Contact Isolation. Staff and visitors must wear gowns and gloves if they expect to come in contact with you and upon entering the room. Sometimes equipment may be left in your room solely for you to use. Thorough cleaning of your room and equipment will be regularly done.

 

Will I be treated?

Treatment depends how sick you are with the disease. Mild diarrhea may stop as soon as the antibiotics are no longer taken. More serious diarrhea may require treatment. Your doctor will order an antibiotic (usually flagyl) to be taken by mouth.

 

What should I do at home?

Hand Washing

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds:

  • after using the toilet
  • after touching dirty surfaces
  • before eating
  • before preparing meals

 

Cleaning the House

Use a household cleaner diluted according to the manufacturer instructions or diluted bleach:

  • wet the surface well and clean using good friction
  • allow the surface to air dry
  • pay special attention to surfaces that may be soiled with stool such as the toilet and sink. Remove stool first before cleaning.

 

Cleaning Clothes and Other Fabric

Wash clothes separately if soiled with stool:

  • rinse stool off
  • clean in a hot water cycle with soap
  • dry items in dryer if possible

 

Cleaning Dishes

Regular cleaning, you can use the dishwasher or clean by hand with soap and water.

 

It is very important that you take all your medication prescribed by your doctor. You should not use any medication to stop the diarrhea (eg, Imodium). If diarrhea persists or comes back, contact your doctor.

 

Can I give this to my family or friends?

Healthy people who are not taking antibiotics are at very low risk of getting the bacteria. Their best protection is to wash their hands before and after visiting patients in hospital and following the precautions posted. Other patients in the hospital are at greater risk of getting C. difficile infection.

 

If you want to know more about C. Difficile disease: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

For more information, please speak to your Health Care Provider