Healthcare providers learn more about tackling C. difficile reporting requirements
Hospital, health unit officials tune into videoconference/webcast
Friday June 27, 2008 -- Natalie Miller
Healthcare providers from across the province tuned into a videoconference/webcast Thursday for a rundown on C. difficile, how to prevent infection and the new reporting requirements of this growing problem in hospitals.

“Recently, many Ontario hospitals have been struggling with outbreaks of C. difficile in their organizations,” says Tom Closson, president and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA).

“We think it is critical to understand how lethal C. difficile can be and how to get it under control.”

The OHA teamed up with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee to present the two-hour videoconference and webcast. Closson says it's an important and timely healthcare issue. As of Sept. 30, 2008 all Ontario hospitals will be required to disclose C. difficile rates in their facilities through a public website. Hospitals will also be required to report specifically on outbreaks such as C. difficile to local public health units.

“The OHA strongly supports the public reporting of patient safety indicators because we believe it will inspire improved performance, enhance patient safety and strengthen public confidence in Ontario's hospitals,” says Closson. “As hospital leaders, it is essential that you continue to support and champion your organization's patient safety initiatives."

Dr. Michael Baker, the executive lead for patient safety at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, made the opening remarks, saying the province is finalizing the details on the collection and reporting of data and will start the project with 150 acute-care hospitals. For instance, recognizing and identifying what 'defines' an outbreak is still under review. Some hospitals use a baseline standard for infection rates and can gauge when there are more cases than usual. Other indicators might include clusters of infection or standard number by ward.

During an outbreak, hospitals will be required to involve public health and report on a public website and a Ministry website.

Other speakers on the bill covered best practices to control C. difficile and proposed suggestions on how to understand monitor and record C. difficile rates.

The webcast will be archived and available for viewing on July 2.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the bacterium C. difficile causes one of the most widespread and potentially serious health care-associated infections acquired during a stay in a hospital or long-term care home. Symptoms of C. difficile infection range from diarrhea to colitis. It can be fatal.

— More to come

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