New C. diff Toolkit for Long-Term Care

Posted on May 22, 2018 by Julie Apold

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) causes almost half a million infections yearly, with more than 100,000 occurring among residents in long-term care. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has developed a new toolkit to help prevent and manage C. diff infection in long-term care. 

Inappropriate or unnecessary antibiotic use and inadequate infection-prevention practices may increase the transmission of C. diff in one setting and from one setting to another when infected patients are transferred. 

The new MDH toolkit features evidence-based recommendations and standards, including these strategies:

• Preparing your facility to care for residents with C. diff infection.
• Appropriate identification and surveillance practices that drive prevention and control efforts
• Care for residents with suspected and/or confirmed C. diff.
• Assessment and implementation of environmental cleaning
• Prevention activities such as antibiotic stewardship and proper treatment of C. diff.
• Staff and patient education and resources

You can access this new resource at: Clostridium difficile Toolkit for Long-Term Care Facilities.