HospitalInspections.org

Based on medical record review, interview and policy and procedure review it was determined that the facility failed to follow the policy for educating patients, visitors and caregivers, about infections and communicable diseases and methods to reduce transmission in the hospital and in the community for 5 out of 7 (#12, #13, #14, #15 and #16) inpatient and isolated patient's medical records reviewed resulting in the risk for transmission of infectious agents among all hospitalized patients. Findings include:

During medical record review on 02/05/13 at approximately 1130, a review of patient #12's record revealed that the patient was in contact isolation and that no education for visitors (family members) of isolation precautions and procedures had been documented by the nursing staff. On 02/05/13 at approximately 1130, this was confirmed by staff A, E and H.

During medical record review on 02/05/13 at approximately 1145, a review of patient #13's record revealed that the patient was in airborne isolation and that no education for the patient or visitors (family members) of isolation precautions and procedures had been documented by the nursing staff. On 02/05/13 at approximately 1145, this was confirmed by staff A, E and J.

During medical record review on 02/05/13 at approximately 1215, a review of patient #14's record revealed that the patient was in contact isolation and that no education for patient or visitors (i.e. family members) of isolation precautions and procedures had been documented by the nursing staff. On 02/05/13 at approximately 1215, this was confirmed by staff A, E and J.

During medical record review on 02/05/13 at approximately 1230, a review of patient #15's record revealed that the patient was in contact isolation and that no education for patient or visitors (i.e. family members) of isolation precautions and procedures had been documented by the nursing staff. On 02/05/13 at approximately 1230, this was confirmed by staff A, E and H.

During medical record review on 02/05/13 at approximately 1300, a review of patient #16's record revealed that the patient was in contact isolation, the patient was on a ventilator and was unable to be educated on these precautions, but on 1/31/13 at 1900 and 2/1/13 at 1300 it was documented that family was at the bedside. No education for family members of isolation precautions and procedures had been documented by the nursing staff. On 02/05/13 at approximately 1300, this was confirmed by staff A, E and K.

During review of policy and procedures on 2/5/13 at approximately 1400 it was found in the policy titled, "Isolation Practices" it states under Responsibility, B. Nursing, #3,"Nursing will explain precautions to the patient and family" and under E. Visitors it states, "Nursing should instruct visitors before entering an isolation room of the proper precautions. Visitors must be instructed regarding hand hygiene, use of gloves, gown, mask, and other special instructions".