Abstract
Introduction
There are approximately 20 000 cases of CDI in England per annum.1 Lower Respiratory Tract Infections are the main indication for antibiotic prescription in hospitals.2 In order to reduce CDI, it is essential that doctors are able to identify patients at risk of CDI to facilitate appropriate antibiotic prescribing. 2 Trust's clinical guidance on CDI informs on markers of severity but not risk factors. We sought to determine the level of knowledge of both among doctors based on a Respiratory ward including clinical guidelines as a conduit of knowledge.
Methods and Results
Using a questionnaire 19 doctors and 5 fourth and fifth year medical students were asked to identify risk factors and markers of severity for CDI. 1st year doctors identified 36% of risk factors, 28% of severity markers; senior house officers 38% and 24%; registrars 47% and 21%; medical students 41% and 21%.
Conclusions
Knowledge of risk factors and severity markers for CDI amongst doctors and medical students on the Respiratory ward is poor. Clinical guidance is not a reliable conduit of knowledge. To raise awareness, information should be relayed more directly e.g. at induction.
References
1.http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_132045.pdf
2. Chalmers, J et al. Proposed changes to the management of lower respiratory tract infections in response to the Clostidium difficile epidemic. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2010. 65: 608-18.
- © 2012 ERS
