This document provides information on the basic principles and interventions recommended for the prevention of Clostridioides (formerly known as Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in acute care facilities. The strategies are intended to facilitate implementation of CDI prevention efforts by state and local health departments, quality improvement organizations, hospital associations, and healthcare facilities.

The Process Improvement Discovery Tool is meant to help hospitals provide safer patient care by completing an assessment to identify process improvement opportunities. Hospitals can use the results to develop specific strategies to address gaps and identify resource needs. Please complete the tool using patient charts that align with this specific topic.

Observation tool used to observe patients with central lines in place.

Use this CLABSI gap analysis tool to assess the difference between actual practice and expected performance. It is useful to compare best practice guidelines against your currently accepted practices. It is important to assess practice through observation and audit rather than relying on if a policy is in place, as practice can vary from policy.

A fishbone diagram (cause and effect) is a visualization tool for categorizing the potential causes of a problem or effect. Each cause or reason is a source of variation. Causes are usually grouped into major categories to identify and classify these sources of variation. Select the top three causes for the team to focus their performance improvement efforts.

Learning and Action Network (LAN) presentation and discussion to learn from Infection Preventionists who offer their insights from years of experience in healthcare. There can be a steep learning curve for Infection Preventionists new to the role or starting out in their careers. Learn from a collective group who will offer their words of wisdom that can be put into action to assist in your hospitals’ infection prevention and performance improvement of patient care.

Use this gap analysis is a tool used to assess the difference between CAUTI prevention actual practice and expected performance. It is useful to compare best practice guidelines against your currently accepted practices. It is important to assess practice through observation and audit rather than relying on if a policy is in place, as practice can vary from policy.

This Infection Preventionist Orientation Checklist was designed by IPs, for IPs. It provides a comprehensive overview of key areas that all IPs should be familiar with upon entering the field. This list can be used to start an orientation program or serve as a gap analysis for your existing program.

These checklists provide some examples of what to look for when considering a CAUTI executive and physician champion.

The intent of this document is to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist acute care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing their infection prevention efforts. This document updates “Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals,” published in 2008.