Prospective audit and feedback of Clostridioides difficile PCR at the time of ordering increases appropriateness of testing

Abstract

Background: Over-testing for Clostridioides difficile infection outside acute diarrheal illness without a clear alternative cause can lead to inappropriate diagnosis and treatment with antibiotic therapy. Preanalytical interventions such as education, order restriction, and electronic order assistance are common but are limited in effectiveness. As an alternative approach, our antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) implemented prospective audit and feedback (PAF) on C. difficile PCR orders to reduce inappropriate testing.