OVERVIEW

Clostridioides Difficile in Long-Term Care: The Epidemiology, Challenges, and Patient Journey is organized by PharmCon, Inc.

Release Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Offline Date: Sunday, February 28, 2021
ACPE Expiration Date: Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Overview:
There has been a dramatic change in the epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) since the turn of the 21st Century. This increase is noted by the growing incidence, severity, and resistance patterns specifically occurring at a disproportionately higher frequency in geriatric patients residing in long-term care facilities (LTCF). Historically considered a nosocomial infection associated with antibiotic exposure, CDI has now also emerged in the community in populations previously considered low-risk. Emerging risk factors, disease recurrence, and disease burden represent continued challenges in the management of CDI. This program includes an in-depth case discussion of a patient journey and will focus on the current epidemiology of CDI, current challenges facing the care of our geriatric population, the disease burden on our patients and healthcare team, and current guidance for all healthcare professionals to aid in combating and reducing the spread of this severe infection in this special population.

Learning Objectives:
Pharmacist, Nurse, and Pharmacy Technician:
• Describe the current epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and the disease burden it has on the patient's overall mental and physical health, as well as its effects on the healthcare team.
• Identify potential challenges of diagnosing diarrhea in patients in Long-term Care Facilities (LCTF), and the potential processes to reduce the transmission and recurrence of CDI.
• Define the diagnostic criteria and symptoms of a CDI.
• Recognize the pathophysiology of human microbiome disruption and its impact on the Clostridioides difficile disease process.