Partnership and Collaboration: Essential Elements in Clostridium Difficile Infection Reduction Efforts

Despite being a national priority as outlined in the United States Health and Human Services (HHS) Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI), Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) remain at historically high levels. State health departments (SHD) and Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO) have been charged with reducing incidence of CDI in acute care facilities. Both entities possess unique subject matter expertise, which together can facilitate improvement, conserve resources and improve patient safety.