3-Step Preparation Model for Accreditation Surveys

The best preparation for any accreditation survey is to integrate compliance into the day-to-day, rather than divert time and resources to dedicated survey preparation. Jones Lang LaSalle, a financial and professional services firm, offers a 3-step preparation model for accreditation survey success.

Lose the reactive mindset. While accreditation surveys are serious undertakings that can bring with them serious consequences, it is important to accept them as a fact of hospital life. If approached correctly, they can guide a hospital toward improvement. Says Michael Chisholm, vice president of compliance at Jones Lang LaSalle: “Being resistant to them often defeats the purpose.”
Embrace compliance. Focusing on integrating compliance standards and best practices into everyday life not only results in a perpetual preparedness for accreditation surveys, but it also allows hospitals to use this goals and benchmarks to achieve a higher level of care. Everyday compliance also aids in risk management by helping hospitals identify and correct substandard practices.
Determine core capabilities. “Administrators need to ask if the people accountable for ensuring compliance are trained and empowered to drive consistency and discipline in maintaining facilities and procedures,” says Mr. Chisholm. If needs are not being met in-house, he recommends enlisting the help of outside experts or consultants.