New learning tool to help NHS staff combat Clostridium difficile infection
The latest innovation in the fight against Clostridium difficile infection has been launched by the Department of Health.
A new online video module is now available on the BMJ Learning website.
It follows a patient’s experience of contracting C. difficile and
shows how the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust managed to
control a potential outbreak.
The DoH expects over 10,000 members of NHS staff to complete the 40-minute
module before the end of the year.
The module includes sections on diagnosis, treatment, hand hygiene, cautious
use of antibiotics and understanding the patient’s experience.
Brian Duerden, inspector of microbiology and infection control, commented: “Urgent
action is needed to reduce cases of Clostridium difficile. We need to
ensure that all staff, not only infection control staff, can play their
part in robust infection prevention and control.”
The learning module went live last month and can be accessed at www.bmjlearning.com
Practical advice to help trusts
reduce rates of infection are included in a recent report
by the Healthcare Commission.
The report was published after collation of the results of a survey
of acute trusts in England, undertaken during May 2006, focusing
on how trusts were dealing with prevention and control of infection. “Healthcare-associated
infection — what else can the NHS do?” emphasises that
while trust boards have to balance a range of priorities, patient
safety is paramount.
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Hospital
Pharmacist