Date of Award

Summer 7-20-2010

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Susan K Nash

Abstract

Clostridium dfficile infection (CDI) recognized as a global healthcare-associated infection (HAI) causing infectious diarrhea, has increased in incidence, severity, and mortality among patients in the last three decades. Related health care costs to patients and health care facilities are enormous. To prevent HAIs healthcare organizations are charged to have infection prevention control programs in place to address CDI. Surveillance of CDI and prevention strategies are challenged to impact the transmission of CDI due to its anaerobic, spore forming characteristics. At a tertiary medical center, Wipe Out C. dfficile was a targeted approach for five high incident units to reduce CDI. Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and Environmental Services (ES) formed a multidisciplinary team to implement prevention strategies that included using germicidal bleach wipes for daily and terminal (dismissal) room cleaning on these units. One important piece of this pilot was the evaluation of patient and ES employee satisfaction of using the germicidal bleach wipes for cleaning in patient rooms. A retrospective data analysis of the patient and ES employee component of the pilot was done using a Complexity Science lens and Margaret Newman's theory as health as expanded consciousness.

Identifier

SC 11.MAN.2010.Aronhalt.KC

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