HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview, the hospital failed to ensure cleaning of the OR between surgical cases followed the AORN's guidelines and manufacturer's instructions for the required wet time for the disinfectant used to clean the OR floor. This had potential for the spread of infections for surgical patients in the hospital.

Findings:

According to AORN, 2014, The Recommended Practices for Environmental Cleaning, showed the cleaning methodology in ORs between patients was to clean the OR from the top to the bottom and from clean surfaces to dirty surfaces.

On 6/2/15 at 1005 hours, the main OR was toured with the Surgical Services Clinical Manager. The cleaning of OR 5 between surgical cases by EVS staff was observed.

During the observation, EVS 2 cleaned from the door knob to the wall, to the biohazard red bag holding bucket, and back again to the wall. EVS 2 then cleaned the top and bottom of the back table and then to the wall. EVS 2 cleaned the surfaces with the same Cavi (disinfectant) wipes.

EVS 2 then proceeded to clean the bloody floor by pouring bottles of liquid Cavi on the floor and mopping with a wet mop. When the floor cleaning was completed, the floor was still visibly wet. EVS 2 exited the room; however, no sign was placed to warn others of the wet floor.

During a concurrent interview, EVS 2 was asked the required wet time for the disinfectant used on the floor of OR 5. EVS 2 stated the wet time was three minutes. During the interview, another EVS staff was observed walking in and out of OR 5 several times to place the bed linens and bags for trash and linen. The staff's foot prints were noted all over the wet floor.

The above observations were confirmed by the Surgical Services Clinical Manager.