Focus On Clostridium Difficile: Surveillance And Infection Control Strategies Newsletter

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Article Date: 07 Oct 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a serious gastrointestinal condition which is becoming an increasing burden to the US healthcare system. Rates of CDI in US hospitals have tripled in recent years, and outbreaks of a new, more virulent strain of C. difficile have been identified in 37 US states and Washington, DC. Failure to accurately identify and manage outbreaks of CDI can lead to more widespread infection, associated costs, and mortality; however recent research has shown that many facilities do not adhere to optimal infection control practices. It is critical that healthcare professionals be aware of the most up-to-date methods of CDI surveillance, prevention, and treatment in order to reduce incidence, severity, and mortality associated with this serious condition.

To address the need for current education on CDI, Robert Michael Educational Institute LLC (RMEI) and Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) are jointly sponsoring a complimentary continuing education activity titled Focus on Clostridium difficile: Surveillance and Infection Control Strategies Newsletter. This activity, which includes a newsletter, learning assessment and evaluation, is supported by an educational grant from ViroPharma Incorporated. It is accredited for physicians, pharmacists, and registered nurses.

Faculty for this newsletter include experts in infectious diseases Erik R. Dubberke, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine and Medical Director of Infection Control at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri; Carlene A. Muto, MD, MS, Medical Director of the Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Stuart Johnson, MD, DTM&H, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Loyola University Medical Center Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois and Staff Physician at the Hines VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois.

Healthcare professionals can access this newsletter by visiting http://www.RMEI.com/CDI058.

"Robert Michael Educational Institute LLC recognizes that continuing education plays a crucial role in the provision of quality health care and is dedicated to offering professionals meaningful opportunities for lifelong learning," says President and CEO, Robert M. Colleluori.

RMEI is a medical education company that specializes in independent, accredited and nonaccredited education. The goal of all accredited RMEI educational offerings is to promote a spirit of lifelong learning and continuous professional development. RMEI works closely with medical experts to design activities that improve diagnosis and treatment. These activities include national and international symposia, teleconferences, live meetings, enduring print materials, and interactive Internet programs.

For other educational opportunities, please visit http://www.RMEI.com.

Robert Michael Educational Institute LLC
http://www.rmei.com