Clostridioides difficile: a review of relevant topics for nursing practice and infection prevention and control

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection is a serious medical and epidemiological problem, with severe consequences. It can divert essential resources and thus represent a considerable burden for healthcare systems, impacting their normal functioning and the provision of safe and effective care. Prevention, proper diagnosis, adequate treatment and effective control measures are the core elements required to reduce the risk of this disease, prevent the infection from spreading and diminish probability of recurrence. This update on disease management is focused on epidemiology, pathophysiology and risk factors, as well as diagnosis, treatment, prevention and infection control measures. This review draws on a great diversity of sources to enabled the integration of the best available evidence regarding Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) prevention and control, reflecting recommendations and guidelines from regional, national and international entities and specialised bodies. Nurses play a paramount role in prevention and management of CDI. They take part in all stages of care, by identifying high-risk patients and the disease's first signs and symptoms, monitoring its evolution, implementing effective infection-control measures and providing patient and family education.