Information

  • Location/Department

  • Conducted on

  • Personnel Assisting

SAFETY MANAGEMENT

  • Housekeeping closets are locked (EC.02.01.01 EP8)

  • Soiled utility rooms are locked (EC.02.01.01 EP8)

  • Clean utility rooms are locked (EC.02.01.01 EP8)

  • Oxygen storage rooms are locked (EC.02.01.01 EP8)

  • Medication rooms are locked (EC.02.01.01 EP8)

  • Utility closets are locked (EC.02.01.01 EP8)

  • Handrails are firmly attached to the walls including in bathrooms and in the hallways (EC.02.01.01 EP3)

  • Patient call light cords are no more than 6" from the floor (patient rooms and in restrooms)

  • Are there any slip and fall hazards in the department? (EC.02.01.01 EP3)

  • Staff are able to properly describe the process on how to handle an injury of a patient

  • Staff are able to properly describe the process on how to handle an injury of a visitor

  • Staff are able to properly describe the process on how to handle an injury of an employee

  • Staff know where lifting equipment is located and how to properly use it (gait belts, hoyer lifts, slide boards)

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

  • All staff members are wearing hospital identification badges (EC.02.01.01 EP7)

  • The department has flashlights that work properly and are stored in an easily accessible location. (EC.02.02.09 EP2)

  • Clean sharps are secured and locked in cabinets, carts, or locked containers (EC.02.01.01 EP3)

  • Doors that should be locked are locked to control access into the department from patients and visitors (EC.02.01.01 EP3)

  • Childproof protective outlet covers are located in outlets in lobbies, hallways, and public gathering points

  • Medical records cannot be seen from the "public's" point of view at the workstations/nurse's station

  • Signage in your department is in good condition and reflects the current operational practices for your unit (LD.03.04.01 EP3)

  • Staff's belongings and personal items are not easily accessible by patients and visitors (EC.02.01.01 EP3)

  • Ask staff if they feel safe working at Allegiance Health. How could they feel more safe?

  • Panic alarms are present in high risk areas (ED/ Behavioral Health) and work properly

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

  • Hazardous chemicals in your department are stored appropriately (EC.02.02.01 EP5)

  • Medical waste containers are not full and labeled with the date installed and expired (NOT MORE THAN 90 DAYS) (EC.02.02.01 EP12)

  • BioHazard Waste (sharps) containers are not over filled. If they are please change these appropriately (IC.02.01.01 EP1)

  • Eyewash stations and/or flush bottles are working properly and not expiered

  • Nothing is stored under sinks

  • Verify that the chemicals stored/ used in the department are listed on the eBinder

  • Chemical storage containers and locations are labeled/ identified properly

  • SDS signage is located within this unit and reflects the current information (name and contact info)

  • Staff know how to access MSDS online (eBinder)

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT

  • Biomedical inspection labels are placed on equipment inspected by BioMed and they are not expired

  • Refrigerators are labeled for their use (ie: patient, staff, medications)

  • Temperatures in refrigerators are being documents according to department policies and maintain the proper temperature (36-41F OR 2-5C)

  • Equipment that emits heat is labeled as such (ie: coffee pots, blanket warmers, fluid warmers)

  • Blanket warmer temperatures are set within the appropriate range

  • Staff are able to properly describe the process on how to handle defective medical equipment

INFECTION CONTROL

  • Staff's food and beverages are not present in patient care areas (LD.04.01.01 EP2)

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is adequately stocked and readily available; in good condition; and appropriate for the department (IC.01.02.01 EP3)

  • Does the isolation cart contain ample supplies (i.e., gowns, signs, masks, gloves)?

  • Linen carts are covered with impervious covering (IC.01.02.01 EP4)

  • Metal storage racks have a protective covering (plastic) on the bottom shelf to protect from splash up. (IC.01.02.01 EP4)

  • Soiled linen bags are not overfilled (EC.02.01.01 EP3)

  • Trash bags are not overfilled (EC.02.01.01 EP3)

  • No items are stored under sinks (LD.04.01.01 EP2)

  • Storage is at least 6" from the floor and no boxes are stored on the floor (IC.01.02.01 EP3)

  • Areas are clean, sanitary, and free from reoccurring offensive odors. These include lighting, vents, surfaces, walls, ceilings, and equipment (EC.02.06.01 EP20)

  • Paper towels are placed in the dispenser not placed on the countertops (NPSG.07.01.01 EP1)

  • Alcohol based hand rubs are not empty and dispensing properly (IC.01.02.01 EP3)

  • There are no rips or tears on vinyl covered patient equipment or chairs. (Stretchers, treatment table coverings, ect) (EC.02.06.01 EP26)

  • Verify pressure relationships (Negative/ Positive) <br>Soiled Utility Rooms/ Decontamination Rooms= Negative Pressure <br>Clean Utility Rooms/ Operating Rooms/ Sterile Areas= Positive Pressure<br>Patient Care Rooms= Positive or Negative

  • Graytop and Clorox wipes are not outdated

  • Stocked medical supplies, food, and medications are not outdated

  • Areas are clean, sanitary, and clean from reoccurring offensive odors. This includes lights, vents, horizontal surfaces, ceiling tiles, walls, and equipment.

  • Can staff explain how a patient is placed in isolation?

  • Staff are able to properly describe the dwell times for our cleaning wipes<br> Graytop- 3 Minutes<br> Clorox Wipes- 30 seconds- 3 Minutes

  • Can staff state the number one way to help prevent the spread of infection? (Wash in/ Wash out)

FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT

  • Hallways are free from all obstructions. This does NOT include crash carts, isolation carts, and equipment in use (this means accessed at least every 30 minutes or often) (LS.02.01.20 EP13)

  • Stored items are more than 18" from the bottom of the ceiling in any room (LS.02.01.35 EP6)

  • Sprinklers and smoke detectors look free from dust (LS.02.01.35 EP5)

  • Fire extinguishers and pull stations are not blocked at all times (LS.02.01.35 EP8)

  • Fire extinguishers have been inspected this month (Look at the backside of the tag) (EC.02.03.05 EP15)

  • Emergency Exit signs are clearly visible and working properly (evenly illuminated) (LS.02.01.20 EP13)

  • Emergency Evacuation Signage/ Maps are posted and reflect the proper evacuation routes

  • Fire doors are not blocked from shutting and latching properly (LS.02.01.30 EP11)

  • Doors are not wedged open (LS.03.01.20 EP8)

  • Medical gas shutoff valves are labeled and clear of obstructions (EC.02.05.9 EP3)

  • Flammable decorations like natural Christmas trees are not present in the hospital at any time (LS.02.01.70 EP1)

  • Space heaters are not present at anytime in patient sleeping areas and only radiant heat panels are allowed in all other areas<br>If any heaters other than radiant heat panels are found during rounding, remove them immediately

  • Staff can describe the proper process for responding to a fire (RACE) and using a fire extinguisher (PASS)<br>RACE: <br> Rescue anyone in immediate danger<br> Activate the alarm pull station/ call 9-911<br> Contain the fire by clearing hallways of obstructions and closing doors and windows<br> Extinguish the fire if able and if appropriate evacuate <br><br>PASS:<br> Pull the pin<br> Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire<br> Squeeze the levers together<br> Sweep the nozzle at the base of the fire SLOWLY<br><br>

  • Oxygen tanks are stored properly (no more than 12 tanks (full or empty) stored in an approved location. The storage racks are labeled correctly

UTILITY SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

  • Sinks, showers, toilets, and water lines are in good repair (not leaking and working appropriately) (EC.02.06.01 EP1)

  • Extension cords are not used in the department (EC.02.03.01 EP1)

  • Electrical outlets are not damaged or loose and have covers. This also includes switches, and network connections (EC.02.03.01 EP1)

  • Electrical panels are labeled as such and locked (locked in public areas) (EC.02.05.01 EP8)

  • Internal walls, doors, ceilings, cabinetry, and floors are in good condition

ABOVE THE CEILING

  • Penetrations are filled with fire approved chalking

  • Sprinkler lines do not have anything hung from, draped over, or tied too them or their support brackets

  • Electrical junction boxes have covers on them

  • Nothing is stored above the ceiling (basins, covers, debris)

OUTDOOR SAFETY ROUNDING

  • Outdoor signage is visible and evenly illuminated

  • Outdoor lighting is working properly and illuminating appropriate areas

  • ADA accessible ramps are clear from obstructions

  • Parking lots are in good repair (no potholes, large cracks, visible lines, curbs are intact)

  • During winter months parking lots, sidewalks, steps, and curbs are free from snow and ice

  • Emergency Exits are free from any external hazards (snow/ice (falling), shrubs, rocks)

  • Fire Department Connections (FDC) are visible and not blocked by shrubs, vehicles, or snow/ice

  • External walls, doors, windows, etc. are in good condition

NURSING SECTION (TO ONLY BE COMPLETED BY A NURSE ON THE ROUNDING TEAM)

  • Can staff state any one of the National Patient Safety Goals?

  • Can staff give an example of a “never event”? (Surgery wrong body part, Infant discharge to wrong person, Patient death with med. error)

  • Staff knows patient identifiers used when taking blood samples, giving medications or blood products?

  • Staff labels blood and other specimens in the presence of the patient?

  • Staff knows the process for scanning medications? (Scans patient ID Band then Meds with bar code scanner prior to giving meds)

  • Staff knows how long glucometer solution is good after opening? (90 days, labeled with exp. date)

  • Does staff know that patients at risk for suicide require continuous 1:1 observation until physician orders otherwise?

  • If restraints were used, is the patient being monitored appropriately according to the type of restraint used? ( Review doc flow sheet in the patient's chart)

  • Staff knows the proper way to receive verbal or phone orders?<br>( Enter into the patient's chart and read back)

  • Does staff know how to adjust the temperature in the refrigerator/warmer?

  • Was the consent to treat signed by the patient or representative?

  • Can the nurse identify the patients’ primary language?

  • Does the nurse know if the patient has an advanced directive?

  • Staff completes the pre procedure checklist in the patient's chart for all patients undergoing an invasive procedure?

  • Does the nursing care plan contain all required elements based on the initial assessment? (pain/abuse/skin/VTE/smoking/falls, etc.)

  • Staff knows the process used to communicate with other caregivers when providing the status of a patient or transfer of care? (SBAR)

  • Does staff know how long they must remain at the bedside immediately after the administration of a blood transfusion? (15 minutes)

  • Does staff know where to find a list of patients’ rights and responsibilities?

  • Does staff know what programs or methods are available for patients and families to report concerns related to care, treatment, services, and patient safety issues? (Patient Advocate, Nursing Managers/Charge nurse, and follow chain-of command, CMS & TJC Hotlines)

  • Does staff know what programs or methods are available for staff to report concerns related to care, treatment, services, and patient safety issues? (Follow chain of command)

  • Does the staff know what interpretive services we offer and what the process is to provide on off hours?

  • Is the current month Defib Log the ONLY log in the book? (current log in book only)

  • The monthly log is free from any missing checks? (All required signatures are present on the log)

  • Can the nurse identify how each patient is assessed for learning needs?

  • Can the nurse state the goals for their patient?

PHARMACY SECTION (TO ONLY BE COMPLETED BY A PHARMACY REPRESENTATIVE ON THE ROUNDING TEAM)

  • Does staff know the proper procedure for checking the crash cart?

  • All medications are secured (MM.03.01.01 EP3)

  • Are insulin & multi-dose vials labeled with the expiration date?

  • Are fluids in refrigerator/warmer labeled with the expiration date?

  • Is the record free from unacceptable abbreviations?

  • Do all PRN medication orders include indications?

  • Is the record free of any therapeutic duplication of PRN orders?

  • Does the staff know the process for informing a patient of the med. reconciliation upon discharge?

  • Can staff identify high alert drugs or look alike/sound alike drugs?

  • Does staff know how to report medication errors?

  • Can staff identify sources of drug information?

  • Does staff know what safeguards are in place when treating a patient on anticoagulants?

  • What is the current process if a physician allows a patient to take their own medication from home? (3 requirements: medication is non-formulary, the pharmacy has confirmed the medication and affixed a supplemental label to it, and the patient’s own medication should be stored in the medication room.)

  • Does staff know who educates patients on Warfarin and dietary interactions? (Dieticians and Nurses)

  • Does staff know what lab value is followed for a patient on Warfarin? (PT/INR)

  • Can the staff describe the process for labeling medications on and off a sterile field?

  • Are opened irrigation bottles labeled with an expiration date?

  • Is the medication prep area including the pill crusher/splitter clean and clutter free?

  • Does staff know what medications require double check? (Heparin, Infusion, Insulin, PCA pump, Chemo)

  • Does staff know the requirements of the double check? (Visibly verify order, Dose, Product, Pump programming with another nurse)

  • Can staff properly explain what meds need to be disposed of in the blue/black pharmacy containers?

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

  • Does staff know where to access emergency management policies? (IDA and Safety Manual)?

  • Does staff know what to do during severe weather (thunderstorm/ tornado)?

  • Does staff know what to do during a Code Pink (infant/ child abduction)?

  • Does staff know what to do during a Code Yellow (bomb threat)?

  • Does staff know what to do when they discover a patient is missing?

  • Does staff know what to do during a Code Silver (active shooter)? RUN HIDE FIGHT

  • Does HOSPITAL staff know the universal number to call to activate a code? (ext. 7000)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Can staff describe hospital’s Mission and Vision Statements?

  • Can staff describe the proper process to dispose of Protected Health Information (PHI)

  • Any other concerns for your unit or area of inspection?

  • Please add and additional photos during this audit that are of a concern but do not fit into any of the above categories.

END OF SURVEY

  • Department Manager or Designee Representative

  • Environmental Services Department Representative

  • Nursing Representative

  • Pharmacy Representative

  • Plant Engineering Representative

  • Safety Department Representative

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