Healthcare-associated C. diff infection prevention a key FY27 priority
Oct. 4, 2026See first test of change
By: Cory Rahn, PharmD, Chief Pharmacy Officer and the CMS 5-Star C. diff Group
As part of Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics' journey toward becoming a CMS 5-Star organization, improving our Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection rate has been identified as a key fiscal year 2027 priority.
Preventing these infections is important because it directly reflects patient safety, quality of care, antimicrobial stewardship performance and overall clinical outcomes. Organizations that successfully minimize preventable infections demonstrate the high-reliability practices expected of top-performing healthcare systems.
Our first test of change is focused on reducing unnecessary antibiotic duration and promoting recommended therapy selection. Using Epic order panels, we will implement guideline-based duration limits for three common infection types: urinary tract infections (UTIs), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), and cellulitis.
This intervention is designed to promote evidence-based prescribing, reduce excess antibiotic exposure, and lower the risk of C. difficile infection while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Since Monday, Sept. 28, the UTI Order Panel has been available to providers. See below for select screenshots from the panel. The defaulted duration of therapy is noted by the red arrow in the last screenshot.
The LRTI and cellulitis order panels are in the process of being built and will be made available when ready.
Questions? Email cory.rahn@salemhealth.org.
