Infection Control Lapses in Hand Hygiene and Masking During Flu Outbreak
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to proper infection prevention and control practices, specifically in hand hygiene and masking during an influenza outbreak. Observations revealed that staff did not perform hand hygiene after glove removal, as required by the facility's policies. This was noted in the care of two residents with indwelling urinary catheters, where a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) did not wash hands after removing soiled gloves and before donning new ones. This lapse in protocol occurred despite the facility's clear guidelines on hand hygiene, which emphasize washing hands after glove removal to prevent infection. Additionally, the facility did not enforce masking protocols during a flu outbreak, which could potentially affect all 71 residents. A sign at the facility entrance indicated that masking was recommended, yet a hairdresser was observed walking through the facility without a mask. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that not wearing a mask during a flu outbreak could put residents at risk. The hairdresser was unaware of the masking requirement, indicating a communication breakdown regarding infection control measures. The facility's policies on infection control, including hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, were not followed, leading to potential risks of infection spread. The CNA involved in the care of residents with urinary catheters did not adhere to the hand hygiene protocol, and the lack of consistent masking during an influenza outbreak further compromised the facility's infection control efforts. These deficiencies highlight the need for strict adherence to established infection prevention protocols to protect residents from potential health risks.