Category
Theoretical Proposal
Description
Background: Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is responsible for 500,000 infections each year, with many more asymptomatic carriers in health care settings.1 The impact of C. diff within long-term care facilities (LTCF) is crucial, as those above the age of 65 are considered at risk for acquiring a C. diff infection (CDI).2 Understanding why there is still a high prevalence of C. diff. infections within long-term care facilities is crucial to protect the lives of those who may be at risk of exposure or death from a CDI. Aim: The study aimed to determine what is responsible for the failure to rid long-term care facilities of C. diff endospores and infection. Methods: A meta-analysis of current content on infection control and prevention, as well as reports and literature on C. diff, was conducted. Results: Analyzed data revealed failures to mitigate C. diff spread and infection within programs implemented at LTCF and the national standard precaution protocols required by the IPCP. Conclusion: There is a need to change policy, guidelines, and inspection-related penalties within LTCF and the CMS operations manual.
C. Diff: The Failures of Long-Term Care Facilities
Theoretical Proposal
Background: Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is responsible for 500,000 infections each year, with many more asymptomatic carriers in health care settings.1 The impact of C. diff within long-term care facilities (LTCF) is crucial, as those above the age of 65 are considered at risk for acquiring a C. diff infection (CDI).2 Understanding why there is still a high prevalence of C. diff. infections within long-term care facilities is crucial to protect the lives of those who may be at risk of exposure or death from a CDI. Aim: The study aimed to determine what is responsible for the failure to rid long-term care facilities of C. diff endospores and infection. Methods: A meta-analysis of current content on infection control and prevention, as well as reports and literature on C. diff, was conducted. Results: Analyzed data revealed failures to mitigate C. diff spread and infection within programs implemented at LTCF and the national standard precaution protocols required by the IPCP. Conclusion: There is a need to change policy, guidelines, and inspection-related penalties within LTCF and the CMS operations manual.
