Failure to Follow Protocol After Resident Fall in Transportation Van
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and care for Resident #12 following a fall from her wheelchair in a transportation van. Resident #12, who had a history of non-Alzheimer's dementia, mild neurocognitive disorder, end-stage renal disease, and bilateral lower extremity amputation, was left unsupervised in a parked van with the engine and air conditioning on. During this time, she unbuckled her seatbelt and fell face down on the floor of the van. Driver #1, who was responsible for the transportation, witnessed the fall and observed a knot forming on Resident #12's forehead. Despite the visible injury, Driver #1 moved Resident #12 back into her wheelchair before calling 911, contrary to the facility's policy of leaving residents in place for clinical assessment after a fall. The incident report and interviews revealed that Driver #1, a certified nursing assistant, was the only staff member on the van at the time of the incident. After securing Resident #12 in her wheelchair, Driver #1 left the van to assist another resident, during which time Resident #12 fell. Upon returning to the van, Driver #1 moved Resident #12 from the floor to her wheelchair, citing the hot floor as a reason for the move. This action was taken before emergency medical services arrived, which was against the facility's protocol that required residents to remain in place until assessed by a licensed professional. Interviews with the facility's staff, including the Director of Nursing and the Administrator, confirmed that the standard procedure was not followed. The Administrator instructed Driver #1 to make Resident #12 comfortable and call 911, but was not aware that Resident #12 had been moved before the paramedics' arrival. The Director of Nursing and the Medical Director acknowledged the deviation from protocol but understood the rationale given the circumstances. However, the failure to adhere to the established procedure resulted in a deficiency in the quality of care provided to Resident #12.
Removal Plan
- The Administrator re-educated Driver #1 on facility van transportation policies and completed a Transportation Skills Assessment of the Transportation Aide/ CNA with no concerns noted.
- An Ad Hoc meeting was held with the following in attendance: the Administrator, the Director of Nursing, the Nurse Managers, the Rehab director, the MDS nurse, the Activity Director, and the Wound Care Nurse. The Medical Director was updated by the Administrator of the meeting's agenda and findings. Other resident incidents were reviewed during this meeting. There were no incidents identified in which a resident was moved before being assessed by licensed professionals.
- The President of Clinical Services provided education to Director of Nursing (DON) and Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) regarding facility policy of the following: In the event of a transportation related incident, resident is not to be moved until a licensed professional can assess for injuries. No changes to policy were necessary.
- DON provided in person one on one education to facility Driver #1 regarding facility policy of the following: In the event of a transportation related incident, resident is not to be moved until a licensed professional can assess for injuries in person. Driver #1 is an employee of the facility; no other drivers are employed. Driver #1 is directly supervised by the facility Administrator, who received in person education regarding facility policy by the President of Clinical Services.
- Individual interviews were conducted with all residents with a BIMS 13 or above who were transported by the facility transporter by the DON and Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to ensure no unreported incidents occurred during facility transportation requiring assessment by a licensed professional.
- Education was started with all staff, including agency staff by the ADON/Nurse Managers on the following: If the transport driver notifies the facility regarding a transportation related incident, inform them to contact emergency services and not move resident until a licensed professional can assess them. The facility Administrator and Director of Nursing's contact information is posted at all three nurse's stations. No staff will be allowed to work, including any new hires and agency staff, without receiving this education. This information will also be added to the new hire orientation. The Administrator will notify the Assistant Director of Nursing and/or Nurse Manager of this responsibility.
- Any newly hired facility van drivers will be educated during orientation by the DON/Administrator regarding facility policy: In the event of a transportation related incident, resident is not to be moved until a licensed professional can assess for injuries.
- An in person Ad hoc Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) meeting was held. The Administrator, the Director of Nursing, the Nurse Manages, the Rehab director, the MDS nurse, and the Wound Care Nurse attended this meeting to review the incident and credible allegation for the removal of the immediate jeopardy.
- The Administrator will be responsible for ensuring implementation of this immediate jeopardy removal for this alleged non-compliance.
Penalty
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