An Agent-based Simulation Model for C. difficile Infection Control

Background. Control of C. difficile infection (CDI) is an increasingly difficult problem for healthcare institutions. There are commonly recommended strategies to combat CDI transmission such as oral vancomycin for CDI treatment, increased hand hygiene with soap and water for healthcare workers, daily environmental disinfection of infected patient rooms, and contact isolation of diseased patients. However, the efficacy of these strategies, particularly for endemic CDI, has not been well studied. The objective of this research is to develop a valid agent-based simulation model (ABM) to study C. difficile transmission and control in a mid-sized hospital.