Fecal microbiota transplantation: a case study presentation and educational opportunity

Abstract

Background: Clostridium difficile is an infectious disease that is having a direct and drastic impact on patients and healthcare resources. Clostridium difficile, an anaerobic, spore-producing, toxin-forming, gram-positive bacillus, has become the leading cause of hospital- and, more recently, community-acquired infections. It is estimated that 250,000 new Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) arise annually. Prior antibiotic use has been recognized as the largest risk factor for acquiring a CDI, and it has been estimated that 90% of CDIs result from patients having previously been on antibiotics. Current antibiotic treatments for Clostridium difficile infections are becoming increasingly less effective at treating this infection. A new emerging treatment, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is proving to be an effective treatment option for CDIs. However, the impact these infections and FMT are having on patients isn't well represented within the literature. Methods: This study aimed to understand the patient perspective of having a CDI and choosing to have FMT as a treatment. It also evaluated the knowledge levels of APNs of FMT as a treatment option for CDIs. Results: A total of three patients provided insight related to their experiences of having recurrent CDI's and utilizing FMT as a treatment modality. All three patients report CDIs having a drastic negative impact on their life and wellbeing. Additionally, all three patients report FMT has resolved their CDI. The second part of this study, which looked to evaluate knowledge of APNs of FMT, indicated that 25% of the APNs who attended the presentation had never heard of FMT and, following education, 99% of APNs would recommend FMT as a treatment option for CDIs.