The Survey Process

Most healthcare organizations have mandatory surveys performed by a state agency.  You may also participate in a voluntary survey performed by the Joint Commission or another reputable organization that accredits health care organizations. It’s important to be conduct your work every day as if a surveyor was watching you!

THE BASIC SURVEY PROCESS

No matter whether surveyors are from the state or from an agency like the Joint Commission, they will follow the same basic four steps for completing the survey, including:

• Inspection
• Interviews
• Observation
• Clinical Record Review

During this process, surveyors look for:

• Professional behavior from every staff member. 
• Proof that everyone in the organization works hard in between surveys—not just during surveys.   
• Teamwork.  It’s important to show surveyors that every member of the healthcare team is working together to provide client care. 
• A workplace that is clean; clients who are bathed and dressed neatly; and employees who arrive in clean clothes or uniforms.
• Unhappy employees.   If they sense that the employees in an organization are anxious or scared,  they will start to look for the reason why!
• Friendly interactions between staff members and between employees and clients and/or visitors.

SURVEYORS ALSO LOOK TO SEE THAT:

• Employees have the skills and knowledge to do their jobs.
• Clients’ rights are being honored, especially confidentiality.
• The organization is preventing the spread of infection.
• The environment is safe for both clients and employees.
• Clients are receiving adequate nutrition.
• Plans of care are complete and updated.
• Documentation is complete, legible and understandable.
• Personnel files are accurate and up-to-date.
• Everyone in the organization is involved in quality improvement.