HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, staff interview, and document review conducted on 9/1/2020, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the development and implementation of policies and procedures that a clean environment is reestablished in between patients by cleaning and disinfecting of reusable patient care equipment, after the patient leaves the patient care area.

Findings include:

Reference: Facility policy titled, "Standard and Isolation Precautions for Inpatients and Outpatients" states, " ...8. a) Handle used patient-care equipment soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions in a manner that prevents skin and mucous membrane exposures, contamination of clothing, and transfer of microorganisms to other patients and environment. b) Disposable single patient medical equipment such as stethoscopes, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs are preferred for patients on isolation. If not possible, ensure that reusable medical equipment is not used for the care of another patient until it has been cleaned and reprocessed appropriately. Hand held devices are cleaned with damp disinfectant wipes according to manufacturer's instructions."

1. During an observation in the lab exam station of the outpatient cancer center at 11:01 AM on 9/1/20, Staff #6 was observed taking a patient's temperature using a reusable hand held temporal thermometer. At 11:02 AM, Staff #6 also was observed taking a patient's blood pressure using a reusable blood pressure cuff. Once patient care was completed, Staff #6 proceeded to clean and disinfect the reusable patient care equipment, while the patient was still sitting in the patient examining station.

a. Cleaning and disinfecting reusable patient care equipment while the patient was occupying the patient care area, can potentially increase the risk for cross contamination.

2. Review of facility policy referenced above did not address the reestablishment of a clean environment after patient care.

3. The above findings were confirmed by Staff #1, Staff #3, and Staff #7.

Based on observation, staff interview, and document review conducted on 9/1/2020, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure implementation of policies and procedures addressing social distancing during the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

Findings include:

Reference: Facility document titled, "RWJBarnabas Health Safety Precautions and Testing Plans Post COVID-19 Surge" states, " ...3. Standard COVID-19 Safety Precautions for Patient and Staff ... Social Distancing ...Continue to facilitate social distancing in employee (i.e. lunchroom/breakroom) and patient areas, such as minimizing time in waiting areas, spacing chairs at least 6 feet apart, marking floors with tape at proper intervals, reducing in-person meeting size and frequently and maintaining low patient flow so as to not cause congestion."

1. During an observation of the outpatient cancer center located on the second floor of the East Wing on 9/1/2020 at 10:45 AM, more than sixteen (16) individuals were in the waiting area of the outpatient cancer center. The was no indication for spacing chairs at least 6 feet apart. More than four (4) individuals were seated immediately adjacent to one another.

2. During an observation of the outpatient cancer center located on the second floor of the East Wing on 9/1/2020 at 11:23 AM, more than twelve (12) individuals were in the waiting area of the infusion cancer center. There was no indication for spacing chairs at least 6 feet apart. More than four (4) individuals were seated immediately adjacent to one another

3. Review of facility communication document to outpatient cancer center leadership titled, "Social distanced waiting room" stated, " ...we should have no more than 12 patients in the cancer center waiting room, and 10 patients on the infusion side."

4. The above finding was confirmed by Staff #1, Staff #3, and Staff #7.