An epidemic across the nation...
Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is a nosocomial infection associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and increased hospital stay resulting in excessive healthcare costs. In the US, the incidence and severity of CDAD have increased substantially over the past few years, possibly associated with the spread of a hypervirulent strain of C. difficile. The CDC confirms that as of April 2007, 28 states have an epidemic strain of C. difficile. Overcoming this crisis will require a multidisciplinary approach that involves appropriate antimicrobial usage combined with stringent infection control policies.
...a solution through education
IMPACT–CDAD provides a 360˚ approach to the threat posed by C. difficile. Educational activities are offered to physicians, pharmacists, and nurses-the multidisciplinary team that spearheads infection prevention and control and manages patients with CDAD. All activities focus on clinical issues and are developed by leading experts. Special emphasis is placed on antimicrobial stewardship, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in achieving common goals, and new guidelines in infection control.
