DCW67-Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Infection Prevention and Control Policy
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Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Infection Prevention and Control Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively prevents, manages, and controls Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections in accordance with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, public health guidelines, and best infection control practices.
Our objectives are to:
- Prevent the spread of C. diff infections among service users and staff.
- Ensure early detection and effective management of suspected and confirmed cases.
- Implement robust infection control measures, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental cleaning.
- Train staff on infection control best practices and C. diff-specific precautions.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, safeguarding service users and staff.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Service users diagnosed with or at risk of C. diff infection.
- Care workers, managers, and administrative staff involved in infection control.
- The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual, ensuring compliance.
- Family members, carers, and healthcare professionals working with infected individuals.
- Visitors and external contractors entering service users’ homes.
3. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy aligns with:
- The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, ensuring care services meet infection control standards.
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, mandating infection prevention measures for staff and service users.
- The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, requiring control measures for communicable diseases.
- The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, promoting a safe and person-centred approach to care.
- The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidelines, including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance.
- NICE Guidelines on Clostridium difficile, outlining best practice in infection control and treatment.
4. Understanding Clostridium Difficile (C. diff)
C. diff is a bacterium that causes severe diarrhoea and colitis. It is spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, hands, or objects and is highly resistant to standard cleaning agents. Antibiotic use is a primary risk factor, as it disrupts gut flora.
4.1 Symptoms of C. diff Infection
- Watery diarrhoea (multiple episodes per day).
- Abdominal pain and cramping.
- Fever and loss of appetite.
- Dehydration and weight loss.
- Severe cases may lead to toxic megacolon and require hospitalisation.
4.2 Risk Factors for C. diff
- Recent antibiotic use.
- Elderly individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Long-term healthcare exposure (e.g., hospitalisation or care services).
- Poor hand hygiene and contaminated environments.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Staff are trained to recognise symptoms early and report them immediately.
- A standardised risk assessment identifies at-risk service users and puts preventative measures in place.
5. Preventing the Spread of C. diff
5.1 Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Hand washing with soap and water is essential – alcohol hand sanitiser is not effective against C. diff spores.
- Staff must wash hands before and after providing personal care.
- Gloves and aprons must be worn when handling infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
- All PPE must be disposed of properly in accordance with waste management regulations.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Staff receive regular hand hygiene and PPE training.
- Posters and reminders are placed in service user homes.
5.2 Environmental Cleaning and Decontamination
- Surfaces must be cleaned with chlorine-based disinfectants (1,000–5,000 ppm available chlorine).
- All cleaning equipment must be disposable or decontaminated after use.
- High-touch areas (toilets, sinks, bedrails) must be cleaned multiple times a day in infected households.
How we manage this efficiently:
- A dedicated infection control team oversees deep cleaning.
- A checklist ensures compliance with decontamination procedures.
5.3 Safe Handling of Service User Waste and Laundry
- Diarrhoea-contaminated waste must be disposed of in yellow clinical waste bags.
- Laundry must be placed in a designated contaminated linen bag and washed at high temperatures (minimum 60°C).
- Toilets and commodes must be disinfected after each use.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Care workers receive waste disposal training.
- A logbook records cleaning and waste disposal activities.
6. Identifying and Managing Suspected C. diff Cases
6.1 Recognising and Reporting Symptoms
If a service user presents with three or more episodes of diarrhoea within 24 hours, staff must:
- Isolate the service user (if applicable) and limit contact.
- Report the case to the Registered Manager immediately.
- Contact the GP or district nurse for urgent assessment.
- Maintain strict infection control measures until a diagnosis is confirmed.
How we manage this efficiently:
- A reporting system ensures rapid response to suspected cases.
- Service user symptoms are logged in digital records and monitored closely.
6.2 Confirmed C. diff Cases: Care and Support Plan
Once diagnosed:
- A tailored care plan is created, outlining infection control measures.
- Hydration and nutrition support is provided to prevent dehydration.
- Medication (e.g., metronidazole, vancomycin) is administered as prescribed.
- Staff ensure good bowel management, avoiding constipation or diarrhoea exacerbation.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Collaboration with district nurses ensures prompt treatment.
- Hydration monitoring is added to daily care logs.
7. Staff Training and Competency in C. diff Management
7.1 Mandatory Training Includes:
- Recognising and reporting C. diff symptoms.
- Infection control best practices (hand hygiene, PPE use, cleaning protocols).
- Safe waste handling and environmental decontamination.
- Supporting service users through C. diff recovery.
7.2 Competency Assessments
- Staff must demonstrate knowledge of infection control measures before providing care to infected individuals.
- Annual refresher training ensures up-to-date knowledge of C. diff prevention.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Training records are maintained for all staff to track competency levels.
- A lead infection control specialist is available for guidance.
8. Multi-Agency Collaboration and Reporting
- Confirmed C. diff cases are reported to Public Health Wales if required.
- Regular communication with GPs and infection control teams ensures effective management.
- CIW is notified in cases of an outbreak affecting multiple service users.
How we manage this efficiently:
- A structured reporting system is in place for infection notifications.
- Collaboration with healthcare professionals ensures compliance with national guidelines.
9. Related Policies
This policy aligns with:
- Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW22).
- Medication Management Policy (DCW21).
- Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
- Emergency and Outbreak Management Policy (DCW27).
10. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes, business needs, or CIW updates. The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual are responsible for ensuring compliance.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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