How an Inpatient Nephrology Unit Achieved a 90% Reduction in Hospital-Onset Clostridioides Difficile Infections

Authors

• Rachel Ciroski, Henry Ford HealthFollow
• Rachel Smith, Henry Ford HealthFollow
• Catrice A. Canty-Pope, Henry Ford HealthFollow
• Jessica Malm, Henry Ford Health
• Swati Verma, Henry Ford HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Ciroski R, Smith R, Canty-Pope C, Malm J, Verma S. How an Inpatient Nephrology Unit Achieved a 90% Reduction in Hospital-Onset Clostridioides Difficile Infections. NEJM Catal Innov Care Deliv. 2026;7(9):Cat250492.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2026

Publication Title

NEJM Catal Innov Care Deliv

Keywords

Humans, Cross Infection, Clostridium Infections, Clostridioides difficile, Nephrology

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. These highly contagious bacteria colonize the intestinal tract after normal gut flora has been disrupted, such as with the use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive agents. Patients who are experiencing an active C. diff infection often exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, such as loose, watery stools. C. diff infection is an increasingly frequent cause of morbidity and death among adult hospitalized patients. A disproportionate number of hospital-acquired C. diff infections were attributed to a nephrology unit at Henry Ford Hospital. Through early detection, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culture change, the unit was able to reduce hospital-acquired C. diff infections by 90%.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Cross Infection; Clostridium Infections; Clostridioides difficile; Nephrology

PubMed ID

42615593

Volume

7

Issue

9

First Page

250492

Last Page

250492