Research and analysis

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI): management in care homes

This study by Health Protection Agency (now PHE) finds out how well diarrhoea is managed and treated in nursing and residential (care) homes.

• From: Public Health England
• Published: 1 August 2010
• Last updated: 16 May 2024 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on 16 May 2024

This report is out of date. For patient information, please see the NHS page Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection. For clinicians, please see the UKHSA Clostridioides difficile: guidance, data and analysis page and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clostridioides difficile infection: antimicrobial prescribing page for further information on management.

Documents

A report on the management of diarrhoea in care homes: August 2010

PDF, 705 KB, 18 pages

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Details

Clostridioides difficile is a healthcare-associated infection of the intestine and is the main cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and colitis. It is a major public health problem and mainly affects elderly patients and those with underlying illnesses.

Although rates of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in England have decreased recently, the number of cases remains high. Efforts to reduce C. difficile infection rates have been initiated in care homes, led by national guidance. This reflects the concentration of vulnerable people in such settings, where use of antibiotics and gastric acid suppressants is common.

This study aimed to find out how well diarrhoea is managed and treated in nursing and residential homes (care homes), to identify areas where knowledge and practice could be improved.

Published 1 August 2010
Last updated 16 May 2024 + show all updates

1. 16 May 2024

   Page withdrawn.

2. 6 September 2019

   Replaced name Clostridium difficile with Clostridioides difficile to reflect changes in microbial taxonomy.

3. 1 August 2010

   First published.