C-Diff and isolation precautions

I know that some facilities have taken out isolation precautions on some contageous infections. Should a facility stop using isolation precautions when dealing with infections such as C-Diff?
I find it really hard to believe that they stopped isolation precautions on C.diff which can be so problematic. I could maybe even see why someone would be as silly as to not isolate for MRSA in a facility with no open wounds or actually sick people.. but ultimately that's irresponsible to the greater world because you're spreading a resistant bacteria.I don't know what you're talking about and I hope it's not true.

If anything should have contact isolation precautions it's active C-diff.

Some facilities have said that universal precautions should protect us if a patient develops these infections. I was just wanting input because I disagree with not using isolation as well.

The facility I work at does put C-Diff patients on isolation. They don't do it for MRSA though.

That would be scary to not have C diff precautions! We put even a history of MRSA in isolation. Doesn't matter if it's 20 yrs ago.

Anyone with a history gets put on isolation as rule out and they get swabbed. If the swab comes back negative, then the isolation can come down. Also, C-diff is a monster. I would rather keep all my patients safe and isolate.

Quote from katrinabreckSome facilities have said that universal precautions should protect us if a patient develops these infections. I was just wanting input because I disagree with not using isolation as well.

There have changes recently in how many facilities deal with MRSA, but not necessarily C-Diff. At one time, it was assumed that contact isolation for patients with a MRSA history and/or current colonization would reduce the spread of MRSA, although we now know that it doesn't. Universal precautions and standard hygiene (including hand gel/washing) is just as effective. We also assumed that there were no adverse consequences, although we now know that contact isolation significantly worsens patient outcomes and is a safety issue for patients. Now knowing that there is no benefit but there is harm to the patient in using contact isolation for MRSA history/colonization, many facilities no longer use isolation in these instances. The evidence on active infections, particularly those with active drainage, is less clear.C. Diff on the other hand is a bit different. Unlike MRSA, hand gel is not sufficient. Also, chlorine based cleaners need to be used for the room and equipment. At my facility, we have stopped putting people on C.Diff isolation just because they have diarrhea, but we still do for confirmed C.Diff which I don't see changing anytime soon.

I never said it was my facility. I said that I have heard some. I would not put my family at risk.

Quote from MunoRNThere have changes recently in how many facilities deal with MRSA, but not necessarily C-Diff. At one time, it was assumed that contact isolation for patients with a MRSA history and/or current colonization would reduce the spread of MRSA, although we now know that it doesn't. Universal precautions and standard hygiene (including hand gel/washing) is just as effective. We also assumed that there were no adverse consequences, although we now know that contact isolation significantly worsens patient outcomes and is a safety issue for patients. Now knowing that there is no benefit but there is harm to the patient in using contact isolation for MRSA history/colonization, many facilities no longer use isolation in these instances. The evidence on active infections, particularly those with active drainage, is less clear.

Quote from tokmomThat would be scary to not have C diff precautions! We put even a history of MRSA in isolation. Doesn't matter if it's 20 yrs ago.

I think inpatient facilities are still pretty strict about isolating C-Diff and MRSA, even colonized MRSA. It's the LTC's and SNF's that are a little less stringent about precautions, especially for colonized MRSA. I would feel so badly for the poor MRSA colonized old man at the LTC. Can't have anyone enter his room without gown and gloves. He can't leave his room because there's no way to protect everyone in the common areas. It would be very sad.