PREVENTION OF CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE

Prevention of C. Diff

What can hospitals do to help prevent C. diff?

Doctors, Nurses, Healthcare personnel need to do:

Proper hand hygiene before and after caring for patient. This can help prevent C.diff germs from being passed from one patient to another on their hands.

Ensure that environmental services thoroughly clean rooms and medical equipment that have been used for patients with C. diff.

Only give antibiotics as necessary

Use contact isolation precautions, this will help prevent C. diff from spreading to other patients and healthcare workers

Contact Isolation:

• Patients with C. diff should have private rooms if possible
• Healthcare providers must wear gloves and a gown over their clothing while caring for patients with C. diff
• Visitors must wear gown and gloves
• When leaving the room healthcare workers and visitors must remove their gown and gloves and wash their hands appropriately
• Patients are to remain in their room as much as possible, they should not go to common areas, such as, the gift shop or cafeteria

What can patients do to help prevent C. diff?

Patients and family members can make sure that ALL healthcare personnel clean their hands with soap and water or antibacterial rub before and after caring for patients

Only take antibiotics as prescribed by your physician

Be sure to wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before meals

What do patients to do when they go home from the hospital (after dx of C.diff)

• Patients may return to normal routine
• The diarrhea will resolve over time
• Take prescribed medication as ordered
• Wash hands often
• If patient develops more diarrhea once they return home, please call MD immediately

Reference:

http://www.cdc.gov/