2353. Easy Does It: Decreasing and Sustained Hospital-Onset (HO) CDI Lab-ID Event Incidence Through a Series of Interventions

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) Laboratory (Lab) identified (ID) events are reportable to CMS through the CDC’s NHSN. Prevention of transmission has been the main component of interventions; however, avoiding false-positive laboratory diagnoses can also lead to decreased incidence. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of HO-CDI Lab-ID events was conducted to evaluate the results of a series of interventions at the University of Alabama Hospital, a 1150-bed tertiary care center in Birmingham, AL. The study period was from the first quarter of 2013 (1Q 2013) until 1Q of 2019. Interventions were implemented in sequential order were: (i) CDI prevention bundle education (3Q 2014); (ii) two-step laboratory testing algorithm (2Q 2015); (iii) selective enhanced environmental disinfection on oncology units (2Q 2016); (iv) diagnostic stewardship by reminding providers to reconsider testing if the patient received a laxative within 48 hours (4Q 2016). RESULTS: At the beginning of the study period, the HO CDI Lab ID Event SIR was 0.96. The standard infection ratio (SIR) over the time period is shown in Figure 1. We observed a slight decrease in HO-CDI Lab ID event SIR after implementation of the CDI prevention bundle (0.96 vs. 0.77). A change in the diagnostic testing from PCR-based to a two-step algorithm (EIA testing for GDH and Toxin confirmed by PCR) resulted in a slight increase although not statistically significant (0.77 vs. 0.83). A downward trend was observed when selective enhanced terminal disinfection with hydrogen peroxide vapor was performed on all oncology patient rooms vacated by patients with CDI (0.83 vs. 0.72). The largest and sustained impact was observed after implementation of a computer-assisted diagnostic stewardship in which providers were reminded if the patient was administered any stool softener or laxative within 48 hours of the order for CDI testing (0.72 vs. 0.32). The institutions SIR value became significant in 2Q 2016 (P = 0.0014) and significance was maintained since that time. The difference between expected and observe HO-CDI Lab ID events is demonstrated in Figure 2. CONCLUSION: Through a series of interventions, we observed a decrease in HO-CDI event rates. Diagnostic stewardship with academic detailing resulted in the most impactful and sustained improvement. [Image: see text] [Image: see text] DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.