Prevention and Management of Clostridium difficile Infections: Recognizing the Hospitalists' Role- Costridium difficile infection (CDI) places a significant clinical and economic burden on the healthcare system. The rising incidence of CDI is attributed to the emergence of a previously rare and hypervirulent strain of C. difficile. Increased toxin production and high-level antimicrobial resistance have allowed this strain to thrive in healthcare settings. Furthermore, populations previously thought to be at low risk of infection are now being identified as having severe CDI, including those without any exposure to healthcare facilities. Fortunately, new diagnostic techniques have been developed to assist clinicians in the accurate and rapid detection of these infections. Additionally, new treatment options are available to clinicians for the management of initial and recurrent episodes of CDI. The prevention and management of CDI involves multiple disciplines responsible for the care of at-risk patients. As a key patient advocate in the hospital, the hospitalist can play a major role in ensuring that appropriate measures are in place for their patients at high risk for CDI. Hospitalists can also ensure that timely and appropriate diagnostic tests are performed at the early signs of CDI and appropriate treatment selection is based on patient factors.
Practice prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of CDI.
Recognize patient risk factors that are predictive of serious complications or recurrence of CDI.
Select appropriate treatment for initial and recurrent episodes of CDI based on disease severity and patient risk factors.2.0 Free AMA Pra CAT 1 CME for Physians
Expires 5/29/16