Reducing Clostridium difficile Infection Among Hematology-Oncology Patients Using Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation for Terminal Room Disinfection

Abstract

•Clostridium difficile forms spores that are resistant to many disinfectants and can persist in the hospital environment for months. • During 2013 (baseline period, Jan.-Dec. 2013), there were 87 cases of hospital onset C. difficile infection (CDI) among patients on three Hematology/Oncology units—a rate 5 times higher than that for all other inpatient units combined. • Cases of CDI continued to occur despite targeted evidence-based interventions and EVS process improvements, including use of bleach for daily and terminal room cleaning of CDI rooms, process monitoring and feedback of cleaning effectiveness. • We performed a 12-month pre/post evaluation of terminal room disinfection using ultraviolet wavelength C germicidal irradiation (UVGI) on C. difficile infection (CDI) rates and room turn-around.