Collaborative Approach to Reduce Health Care-acquired C. diff Infection Rate in a Long-term Acute Care Hospital

The medical center's mission was to reduce the C. difficile rate from 26.7 cases per 10,000 patient days to a rate below 12.1. A multidisciplinary team was formed that utilized the PDSA cycle to evaluate and implement a plan of action.

Improvement interventions began with the team evaluating and then developing and revising the room cleaning procedures. Employees were retrained in the correct use of the required PPE and proper hand hygiene. A physician champion informed the medical staff of the team's progress and emphasized their role in reducing C. diff infections. Families and visitors were involved in the “Help Stop the Spread of Infection Program.”

FY2012 continues to show a decreasing trend with a rate of 7.4 cases per 10, 000 patient days.

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This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)