Here are 10 things to know about The Joint Commission's onsite survey process.
1. The surveys are site-specific and designed to support the organization's performance improvement efforts.
2. The length of each survey varies by the information supplied on the application.
3. Organizations can expect an unannounced survey 18 to 36 months after receiving accreditation from the full survey and most organizations don't receive advanced notification before the unannounced survey.
4. Onsite surveys include a survey planning session and opening conference.
5. The Joint Commission uses the tracer methodology which incorporate information from patients, residents and other individuals "as the framework" for the standards compliance assessment.
6. The system tracers examine process integration and coordination as well as communication between discipline and departments.
7. The surveys check medical staff credentialing and privileging for most healthcare settings which are surveyed by The Joint Commission.
8. There is a competence assessment as part of the survey in addition to an "environment of care" session.
9. The survey includes an exit conference where the survey team presents a summary of findings.
10. Organizations have their accreditation finalized after the survey if there aren't any requirements for improvement. If there are requirements for improvement, the organization's accreditation depends on a subsequent acceptable evidence of standards compliance report.