Winner - Hampshire PCN C.difficile improvement project (2025)

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB

Project summary

In response to a post-pandemic rise in Clostridioides difficile Infections (CDI) cases, The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team were successful in a bid for Hampshire County Council funding for a targeted intervention using the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) £5400 per PCN who took part. This innovative project aimed to reduce CDI incidence and improve patient outcomes by empowering Primary Care Networks (PCNs) with education, data insights, and locally driven quality improvement (QI) initiatives. The project was also aimed at all interested staff groups, offering the opportunity for those aiming to improve the irQI skills; there was a broad mix of project leads from Practice Managers, Nurses, Pharmacists, GP trainees’ and GP’s.

The project launched in September 2024 with a training session for PCN leads, focusing on CDI pathophysiology, prevention, and project expectations. Participating PCNs—selected based on high CDI case rates and populations with increased health inequalities—reviewed at least five local CDI cases each, analysing patient demographics, medical history, antibiotic use, treatment timelines, and coding accuracy.

Insights from these reviews informed local QI projects, implemented by December 2024. These included initiatives such as proton pump inhibitor (PPI) de-prescribing protocols, improved antibiotic stewardship, timely stool sampling, and accurate patient coding. Each intervention addressed specific local themes, ensuring relevance and sustainability.

By March 2025, PCNs had completed repeat audits to assess impact and identify further actions. The ICB IPC team compiled the educational materials, case review data, and project plans into a resource pack for wider dissemination across Hampshire. The project leads provided feedback to the IPC team, and the combined learning was presented at a regional event.
There was significant interest from the eligible PCN’s with 14 PCNs completing the project. Pre-project CDI rates and patient population were similar across both groups ensuring a balanced comparison.

While full 12-month data is pending, early indicators at 8 months suggest reduced CDI cases in the improved awareness, prescribing and CDI management practices in participating PCNs. The project’s return on investment is reflected in its scalable model, enabling other PCNs to replicate successful interventions using the shared project pack.

This initiative exemplifies how targeted education, local ownership, and data-driven improvement can reduce harm, enhance patient care, and build sustainable infection prevention practices in primary care.