Decreasing Clostridium difficile health care-associated infections through use of a launderable mattress cover.

Background: The annual incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the United States is estimated to be 330,000 cases. We evaluated the impact of using a launderable mattress and bed deck cover on the incidence of hospital-onset CDI in 2 long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs).

Methods: Two LTACHs began using a launderable mattress and bed deck cover on beds starting in May 2013.

Traumatic brain injury-related hospital discharges. Results from a 14-state surveillance system, 1997.

Problem/condition: Previous studies indicate that each year in the United States, approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Of those injured, approximately one quarter million are hospitalized.

Surveillance for traumatic brain injury deaths--United States, 1989-1998.

Problem/condition: Data indicate that approximately 50,000 U.S. residents die as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually.