Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to maintain infection control practices for a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter during incontinence care. According to the facility's Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) policy, gloves and gowns are required for high-contact care activities, including hygiene and changing briefs, to reduce the spread of multi-drug-resistant organisms. During an observation, staff were seen providing incontinence care to the resident while wearing only gloves, despite EBP signage indicating the need for both gloves and gowns. The Director of Staff Development/Infection Preventionist confirmed that the staff should have been wearing isolation gowns in addition to gloves during this care activity. The resident involved had an indwelling urinary catheter and was under EBP due to this condition. The failure to follow established EBP protocols was verified through direct observation and staff interview, as well as a review of facility policy.