{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Infection Prevention and Control Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Infection Prevention and Control Policy is to outline the procedures and practices {{org_field_name}} implements to prevent, manage, and control the spread of C. diff infections among service users and staff. The policy aims to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved in care delivery while ensuring compliance with national infection control standards.

This policy applies to all employees, care workers, service users, family members, visitors, and third-party contractors working within the scope of our domiciliary care services. It covers all aspects of C. diff management, including prevention, early detection, treatment support, and incident reporting.

2. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}}is committed to:

• Preventing the spread of C. diff through robust infection control practices.
• Educating staff, service users, and families about infection prevention.
• Promoting early detection and appropriate management of infections.
• Ensuring the safe handling and disposal of waste and contaminated materials.
• Maintaining a clean, hygienic care environment.

We believe that strict adherence to infection prevention protocols is essential for providing safe, high-quality care while protecting vulnerable individuals.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidelines:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• NICE Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control
• Public Health England (PHE) C. diff Guidance
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Waste Management)

Compliance with these standards ensures that our infection control practices meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

4. Understanding Clostridium Difficile (C. diff)

C. diff is a bacterium that can cause gastrointestinal infections, particularly in individuals receiving antibiotics. It spreads through spores that can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making thorough cleaning and hand hygiene crucial for prevention.

Key facts about C. diff include:

• It primarily affects individuals aged 65 and older, those with weakened immune systems, and those recently treated with antibiotics.
• Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and loss of appetite.
• Severe cases can lead to dehydration, colitis, and, in rare cases, death.

5. Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies

To minimise the risk of C. diff infections, we conduct regular risk assessments and implement comprehensive prevention strategies, including:

5.1 Service User Risk Assessment:

• Identifying vulnerable individuals, such as those on antibiotics or with compromised immunity.
• Monitoring for early signs of infection during routine care visits.
• Reviewing medical history, medication use, and previous infections.

5.2 Environmental Risk Assessment:

• Regular inspections of service users’ homes to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
• Identifying high-touch surfaces requiring frequent disinfection.
• Ensuring proper ventilation and waste disposal procedures.

5.3 Prevention Measures:

• Promoting hand hygiene among staff, service users, and visitors.
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and aprons.
• Encouraging appropriate antibiotic use to prevent C. diff overgrowth.
• Providing service users with information on hygiene practices.

6. Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent C. diff transmission. Our hand hygiene protocol includes:

• Handwashing: Using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after providing care, after handling waste, and before preparing food.
• Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitiser: Used when soap and water are unavailable, but not as a substitute during C. diff outbreaks, as spores are resistant to alcohol.
• PPE:
  • Gloves worn during personal care, cleaning, and waste handling.
  • Aprons worn during direct care activities and disposed of after each task.
  • Face masks used if there is a risk of splash or aerosol transmission.

7. Cleaning and Environmental Decontamination

Effective cleaning reduces the presence of C. diff spores. Our cleaning protocols include:

• Daily Cleaning: High-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, light switches) cleaned with a chlorine-based disinfectant (1000 ppm) daily.
• Deep Cleaning: Conducted weekly and after any suspected or confirmed C. diff case.
• Laundry: Contaminated linens washed at high temperatures (60°C or above) with appropriate detergents.
• Waste Disposal: Clinical waste, including gloves and aprons, disposed of in designated yellow bags and collected by licensed waste contractors.

8. Early Detection and Symptom Monitoring

Early detection prevents the spread of infection. Our monitoring procedures include:

• Daily Symptom Checks: Monitoring service users for diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever.
• Incident Reporting: Immediate reporting of suspected cases to the care coordinator and healthcare provider.
• Documentation: Recording symptoms, care interventions, and outcomes in care records.

9. Infection Control During Care Delivery

To protect service users and staff, the following practices are implemented:

• Isolation: Infected service users cared for separately until symptoms resolve.
• Task Prioritisation: Care provided to non-infected users first, followed by infected individuals.
• Disinfection: Thorough cleaning of care equipment and surfaces after each use.
• Hand Hygiene: Strict adherence to handwashing protocols.

10. Antibiotic Stewardship

Antibiotic misuse contributes to C. diff infections. Our company promotes antibiotic stewardship by:

• Encouraging appropriate prescribing by healthcare providers.
• Educating service users about completing antibiotic courses as prescribed.
• Monitoring antibiotic use during routine care reviews.

11. Staff Training and Competency

All staff receive comprehensive infection prevention and control training, including:

• Understanding C. diff transmission and prevention.
• Proper hand hygiene and PPE use.
• Cleaning and waste disposal protocols.
• Recognising early symptoms and reporting procedures.

Training is provided during induction and refreshed annually. Competency assessments ensure staff can implement infection control measures effectively.

12. Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication ensures coordinated infection control efforts. We:

• Notify healthcare providers immediately when a C. diff case is suspected or confirmed.
• Inform families while maintaining confidentiality.
• Collaborate with local health protection teams for outbreak management.

13. Incident Reporting and Management

All suspected or confirmed C. diff cases are managed according to our incident reporting procedures:

• Immediate notification to the care coordinator and healthcare provider.
• Isolation of the affected service user and implementation of enhanced infection control measures.
• Detailed documentation of symptoms, care interventions, and outcomes.
• Investigation of root causes and implementation of corrective actions.

14. Waste Management and Disposal

Proper waste management prevents the spread of C. diff spores. Our protocols include:

• Clinical Waste: Used gloves, aprons, and contaminated materials disposed of in yellow clinical waste bags.
• Household Waste: Non-contaminated waste disposed of in regular bins.
• Sharps Disposal: Used needles and other sharps placed in designated sharps containers.

15. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

We ensure the quality of infection prevention through:

• Audits: Regular audits of infection control practices, cleaning standards, and staff adherence to protocols.
• Feedback: Service user and staff feedback used to identify areas for improvement.
• Incident Analysis: Reviewing infection incidents to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Policy Updates: Annual policy reviews or sooner if guidelines change.

16. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All infection-related data is handled confidentially and in accordance with GDPR. This includes:

• Securing service user records and health information.
• Limiting access to infection reports to authorised personnel only.
• Ensuring data breaches are reported and addressed promptly.

17. Service User and Family Education

Educating service users and families empowers them to participate in infection prevention. Our approach includes:

• Providing informational leaflets on C. diff prevention and hygiene practices.
• Offering verbal guidance during care visits.
• Encouraging open communication about infection risks and symptoms.

18. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are legislative changes, updated guidelines, or findings from audits and incidents. Any changes are communicated to staff, and additional training is provided if necessary.

---

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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.