Integrated care pathway for Clostridium difficile helps patient management

Abstract

A pilot study using an integrated care pathway (ICP) when caring for patients suffering from Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) was undertaken over a six-month period within six wards in two hospitals. The aim was to standardise practice and improve communications for this group of patients. There was increased staff knowledge and understanding with 91% of nursing staff reporting that the use of a CDAD ICP had improved patient care and treatment. Seventy-seven per cent of staff expressed that communications had improved since using the ICP and 77% felt that accessibility of patient information had improved. Lastly 86% of the staff felt better equipped to nurse patients with CDAD. A literature review yielded no other documented evidence of the use of an ICP for this patient group.