Failure to Implement Fall Prevention Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate interventions to prevent falls for two residents with a history of falls and major injuries. Resident #1, who was admitted with diagnoses including Metabolic Encephalopathy and Osteoarthritis, was identified as being at risk for recurrent falls due to various factors such as gait/balance problems and impaired cognition. Despite the care plan indicating the use of hipsters and Dysem to prevent falls, staff did not ensure these interventions were in place, leading to an unwitnessed fall and subsequent fracture requiring surgical repair. Resident #2, admitted with conditions such as Moderate Protein Malnutrition and Hemiplegia, was also at risk for falls. The care plan included the use of floor mats on both sides of the bed to prevent falls. However, observations revealed that these mats were not in place, and staff were unaware of the requirement, resulting in a fall that led to a fracture of the right femur. Interviews with staff and the Director of Nursing (DON) highlighted a lack of awareness and documentation regarding the fall prevention interventions outlined in the care plans. The DON confirmed that the interventions were listed on the care plans and CNA Kardex, but there was no documentation verifying their implementation, contributing to the deficiencies observed.
Plan Of Correction
F789: Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices (1) What corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice. Resident #1, Dycem was placed in resident wheelchair on Care plan and Kardex updated. Resident #1, Hipsters were put on resident, on Care plan and Kardex updated. Resident #2, floor mats were placed on each side of the bed. Educated CNAB on resident #1 on interventions. Educated CNAC on resident #2 on intervention. (2) How you will identify other residents having potential to be affected by the same practice and what corrective actions will be taken: A Quality review that contains look period of 60 days was completed to ensure residents with that the care plans, kardex and interventions are in place. Issues or concerns were addressed as they were identified. (3) What measures will be put into place or what systematic changes you will make to ensure that the practice does not recur: Director of Clinical Services/Designee re-educated the licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants on the components of this regulation with an emphasis on: management policy and procedure, care plan and kardex to be updated with interventions, intervention to be in place. During clinical morning meeting, Director of Nursing/Designee will review resident to ensure care plan, kardex and intervention in place. Newly hired licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants will receive education in orientation. (4) How the corrective action(s) will be monitored to ensure the practice will not recur, i.e., what quality assurance program will be put in place: The facility Director of Clinical Services/designee will conduct a weekly audit of 5 residents to ensure interventions are care planned, kardex updated and intervention in place weekly x 4 weeks, and then every 2 weeks x 2 months. The findings of these quality reviews will be reported to the Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement Committee monthly until committee determines substantial compliance has been met and recommends moving to quarterly monitoring by the Divisional Director of Clinical Services when completing their systems review.