Clostridium difficile colitis: a retrospective study of incidence and severity before and after institution of an alcohol-based hand rub policy.

Background: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is a leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. We sought to determine whether the institution of a hospital-wide alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) policy was associated with an increase in the incidence and/or severity of health care facility-onset, health care facility-associated C difficile diarrhea (CDAD).

Methods: We used a retrospective chart review analysis to compare incidence rates of CDAD before and after implementation of the ABHR policy.