HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview the hospital failed to employee methods to prevent and control the transmission of infections in that 1 of 1 (Patient #1) patients that were on droplet precautions had their room door propped open, Patient #1 had a positive Covid-19 test. There were multiple patient care items on the floor of patient rooms.

Findings included:

During a tour of the facility on 01/20/21 ending at 0955 this surveyor observed a Younker suction and tubing on the floor beside the bed in room 127. The doors to rooms 118 and 125 propped open with a trash can that contained used PPE. There was a wrist restraint on the floor under the bed in room 101. The door was open on room 104 and the patient was on droplet precautions for a positive Covid-19 test. There was a 5cc syringe with about 2ccs of clear liquid on the floor under the bed in room 101. There was a sequential compression device on the floor under the bed in room 108. There was a used tissue on the floor in the hallway outside room 109. There was a blanket on the floor at the bottom of the door leading outside the facility next to room 121. The blanket was placed there to catch water that came inside the facility when it rains.

During an interview with Personnel #3, on 01/20/21 at 1245 in the Conference Room. Personnel #3 stated the hospital infection control policies were based on the CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines. When this surveyor pointed out that the CDC guidelines for droplet precautions for Covid-19 positive patients stated the door should remain closed and their droplet precautions policy stated the door could remain open, the policy conflicted with the CDC recommendations. Personnel #3 stated the patient demographic at the facility was at a high risk for falls. The administration felt the risk of a fall outweighed the benefit of keeping the door closed.

The Policy titled IC4-6 Droplet Precautions revised 10/18 reflected ..."Specific Procedures A. A private room is desired ...The door may remain open ..."

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html.
If admitted, place a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in a single-person room with the door closed.