Non-Functioning ABHR Dispensers Undermine Hand Hygiene Accessibility
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control program when 12 of 65 alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) dispensers located in hallways and nurses’ stations failed to dispense product during testing with the Infection Preventionist (IP). The non-functioning dispensers were located near multiple resident rooms (Rooms 2, 6, 17, 20, 30, 39, 52, 54, 56, 61), next to the Station 3 shower room, and next to the maintenance office. The IP stated that housekeeping was responsible for refilling or replacing ABHR dispensers and acknowledged that it was important for dispensers to work properly to prevent the spread of germs and infections. The IP also stated that staff were expected to perform hand hygiene when entering and exiting resident rooms, before and after glove use, after using the restroom, before eating, and when hands were soiled. Staff interviews further demonstrated awareness of non-functioning ABHR dispensers and the impact on hand hygiene practices. An LVN reported knowing that some dispensers did not work and therefore kept ABHR gel on the medication cart for hand cleaning. A CNA reported that some hallway dispensers did not work and explained that when encountering a non-functioning dispenser after leaving a resident room, she had to walk down the hall to find another working dispenser to clean her hands. Another CNA stated that ABHR was needed when going in and out of resident rooms, before and after resident care, and before and after passing meal trays. The DON and ADON both stated it was very important for hand sanitizer dispensers to function properly and described expectations for staff hand hygiene, including at the start and end of shifts, in and out of resident rooms, between resident care, after bathroom use, and before and after meals. Review of the facility’s hand hygiene policy indicated that hand hygiene products and supplies were to be readily accessible and convenient for staff use, with ABHR dispensers placed in areas of high visibility and hand hygiene required before and after resident contact and after contact with the resident environment.
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