Introduction: Clostridioides difficile infection is among the most common healthcare-associated infections. Due to the lack of standardized surveillance systems in European hospitals, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control introduced a unified protocol to monitor Clostridioides difficile infection. Purpose: The aim of this master's thesis was to implement a Clostridioides difficile infection surveillance system at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana in accordance with the European hospitals, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control protocol, conduct a one-year pilot surveillance for 2023, and compare the results with European data. Methods: Electronic data entry forms were developed based on European hospitals, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control forms. The study included detailed analysis of confirmed Clostridioides difficile infection cases for 2023 and a retrospective review of Clostridioides difficile infection data from 2013 to 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined, as well as specific epidemiological definitions. Results: In 2023, 24 Clostridioides difficile infection cases were identified at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, with 66.7% classified as healthcare-associated infections. The incidence density was 4.6 per 10,000 patient-days, and the incidence rate was 1.4 per 1,000 discharges. Data from 2013–2022 showed considerable variability, with the highest number of cases in 2015 and the lowest in 2019. Over the last five years, Clostridioides difficile infection occurrence has remained relatively stable. Compared to European Union/ European Economic Area hospitals, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana had a lower Clostridioides difficile infection incidence per 1,000 discharges but a higher incidence density per 10,000 patient-days. Discussion and Conclusion: The implementation of the Clostridioides difficile infection surveillance system at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana was successful. Electronic data collection improved efficiency and data quality. Oncology patients are at increased risk for Clostridioides difficile infection due to immunosuppression therapy. Continuous data collection and strict infection control measures are essential. Ongoing surveillance is recommended to improve patient care and prevent Clostridioides difficile infection transmission.
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