Applicazione di un sistema di notifica elettronica<BR>per la sorveglianza delle patologie associate <BR>a Clostridium difficile

Abstract

Introduction. Point prevalence surveys carried out in Europe in 2012 showed that Clostridium difficile is one of the most relevant cause of Healthcare Associated Infection (HAIs). A region wide prevalence survey confirmed a relevant frequency of Clostridium difficile in Tuscany and in the University teaching hospital of Pisa. The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection may belowered by applying appropriate preventive measures. For this purpose an electronic alert system has been activated in the University Teaching Hospital of Pisa in March 2013. Aim of this study is to define the incidence of CDAD after the implementation of preventive measures. Methods. Data were collected from the laboratory detection database and the notification of clinical diagnosis. Incidence rates by ward, temporal trends of incidence and notification rates of CDAD were calculated. Results. The total incidence of CDAD was 4.95 cases per 10.000 patient days, with a great variability between different specialty wards. The highest rates were scored in the gastroenterology, infectious disease and paediatric oncohematology wards and in the emergency department. Discussion. The incidence of CDAD in the University teaching hospital of Pisa is higher than the Italian average of 3,6 per 10.000 patient days but is comparable to the European rates (4,1 per 10.000 patient days). Conclusions. The electronic alert system is an important tool for the timely implementation of control measures and the effectiveness check of the measures applie