How Effective Are C. difficile Bundled Approaches?

Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Hospital Epidemiologist, Virginia Commonwealth University, shares a few things to keep in mind when using bundled approaches against C. difficile.

Interview Transcript (slightly modified for readability)

“I think that bundled approaches have their limitations. I think that the key point here is that bundled approaches need to be done with higher reliability and after assessing the reliability and the effectiveness of that bundled approach. If things aren’t improving, the desired outcomes aren’t where they should be, and the processes aren’t where they should be, then we need to rethink it.

So, my approach is, we start with a bundled strategy, and if it’s not working, we need to be nimble, and change our strategy accordingly. I’m not saying that we should never do active detection and isolation for [Clostridium] C. difficile; I think it’s reasonable, particularly if your bundled approaches are failing, and if you’re certain that you’re doing all of the bundled elements within that approach properly.”