C. difficile infection: A hospitalist’s roadmap to treatment and prevention of recurrence
Monday, March 25
7:00 – 9:00 p.m., National Harbor 2-3
Dinner provided at 7:00 p.m.
Program Overview: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) places a significant clinical and economic burden on the health care system. The rising incidence of CDI is attributed to the emergence of a previously rare and hypervirulent strain of C. difficile. Increased toxin production and high-level antimicrobial resistance have allowed this strain to thrive in health care settings. Furthermore, populations previously thought to be at low risk of infection are now being identified as having severe CDI, including those without any exposure to health care facilities.

Fortunately, new diagnostic techniques have been developed to assist clinicians in the accurate and rapid detection of these infections. Additionally, new treatment options are available to clinicians for the management of initial and recurrent episodes of CDI. The prevention and management of CDI involve multiple disciplines responsible for the care of at-risk patients. As a key patient advocate in the hospital, the hospitalist can play a major role in ensuring that appropriate measures are in place for their patients at high risk for CDI. Hospitalists also can ensure that timely and appropriate diagnostic tests are performed at the early signs of CDI and that appropriate treatment selection is based on patient factors.
Faculty: William Ford, MD, SFHM, regional director hospital medicine and clinical associate professor of medicine, Abington (Penn.) Jefferson Health; Jason C. Gallagher, PharmD, FCCP, FIDP, FIDSA, BCPS, clinical professor and clinical specialist, infectious diseases, and director, PGY2 Residency in Infectious Diseases Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia; Ciaran P. Kelly, MD, professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School, and director, gastroenterology fellowship training and director, Celiac Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, both in Boston.
Registration: www.vemcomeded.com/livemeetings.asp or call 908-704-2400.
Accreditation statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Center for Independent Healthcare Education (Center) and Vemco MedEd. Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit designation: Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Supported by an educational grant from Merck & Co. Jointly provided by Center for Independent Healthcare Education and Vemco MedEd.