CDI severity awareness
Health Boards should ensure that patients, and relatives where appropriate, are made aware that CDI is a condition that can be life-threatening, particularly in the elderly.
- The Scottish Government's response highlighted initiatives promoting person-centred care, including the 'What Matters to You?' approach which emphasises ensuring patients and families have sufficient knowledge about their health conditions and care.
- The Health and Social Care Standards (published June 2017, in use from April 2018) include Standard 1: 'I experience high quality care and support that is right for me' and Standard 2: 'I am fully involved in all decisions about my care and support,' which require that patients and relatives are made aware that CDI can be life-threatening, particularly in the elderly (Health and Social Care Standards (https://www.gov.scot/publications/health-social-care-standards-support-life/)).
- The Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities (revised June 2022) sets out patients' right to information about their condition, treatment options, and care, including information about risks and infections.
- The NIPCM includes guidance on patient and family communication regarding healthcare-associated infections, supporting staff in providing clear, accurate information (National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Scotland (https://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/about-the-manual/)).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 4.2 of the Scottish Government's response describes initiatives to improve patient and family communication. The Person-centred Health and Care Collaborative developed "Must Do with Me" elements, including "what information do you need?", to ensure people are informed. Additionally, the Health Literacy Action Plan aims to enable people to have sufficient knowledge and understanding to cope with modern health care, emphasizing communicating in meaningful ways.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Patient rights strengthened through Charter of Patient Rights revised June 2022 and statutory Duty of Candour. Patients and families have right to be informed about conditions and risks including HAI.
View detailed findings
Duty of Candour requires organisations to inform affected persons, apologise, invite to a meeting and provide an account when a notifiable safety incident occurs.