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Introduction Clostridium difficile ( C. difficile ) is the most common cause of antibiotic-related diarrhoea. In the immunocompromised host it is a source of considerable morbidity. Transmission between patients is preventable. The aim of this study was to survey healthcare professionals' knowledge of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) at our institution. Methods A written survey was distributed to doctors and nurses of a major tertiary institution. The survey polled knowledge and management decisions regarding clinical scenarios relating to C. Difficile -associated disease and transmission. Survey responses were collated and analysed. Results One hundred and forty-six healthcare professionals (91.3%) completed the survey (81 nurses, 65 doctors). Thirty-two (21.9%) had attended an educational seminar on C. difficile . No healthcare worker was able to correctly answer all survey questions. Only four (2.7%) respondents correctly identified all major risk factors for CDI. Respondents who had previously attended a CDI information session were more likely to identify broad-spectrum antibiotic use as a risk factor (97% v. 82%, P =0.046), and more likely to be aware of the existence of CDI in the community setting (97% v. 78%, P =0.02). Thirty-four (23.3%) respondents identified the most important management aspects in non-severe CDI, while 85 (58.2%) identified the best method to remove C. difficile spores. Doctors were less likely to identify the correct method of preventing the transmission of the spore-form of C. difficile than nurses (49% v. 69%, P =0.04). Overall survey performance was better among employees who had attended an information session regarding CDI, (63.1% v. 56.7%, P Conclusions Knowledge of CDI is poor among healthcare professionals. A potential for further education exists. |
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