Combined Assessment Program Summary Report – Evaluation of Infection Prevention Practices in Veterans Health Administration Facilities

OIG evaluated selected infection prevention (IP) practices in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities by determining whether facilities complied with required IP practices in patient care units/areas, trained employees on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogens Rule, and performed N95 respirator fit testing. OIG conducted this review at 69 facilities during Combined Assessment Program reviews performed from January 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. VHA facilities recognized the importance of maintaining consistent IP practices to ensure veterans’ safety and reduce the incidence of health care-associated infections. OIG identified five areas where compliance with selected IP requirements needed to improve and recommended that corrective actions are initiated when hand hygiene performance falls below established thresholds, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation fixtures are turned on and functional, negative pressure is monitored and within acceptable levels in occupied airborne infection isolation rooms, employees with occupational exposure risk complete annual Occupational Safety and Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogens Rule training, and designated employees complete annual N95 respirator fit testing..