While not a major change in survey process, this approach will allow surveyors to see how the organization's departments and systems work together for the benefit of an individual. Surveyors also learned about translating multiple recommendations across various Joint Commission functions into an analysis of specific health care organization systems. Consultation about health care organization systems' vulnerabilities will be a valuable enhancement to the current level of consultation provided which focuses on standards compliance. Other Surveyor Conference Highlights Patient Safety. With the launch of the patient safety standards for hospital in July 2001, the Joint Commission is considering the development of a patient safety index score based on compliance with the safety-related subset of standards.
Plans are underway to develop safety standards for all other accreditation programs.
Consultation was reaffirmed as an essential part of the accreditation process. The database will be available to surveyors as a resource for providing consultation to surveyed organizations. Enhanced surveyor education. The Joint Commission conducted a baseline assessment of surveyor skills during the conference. Results of the written assessment will drive surveyor education through 2001 and set the stage for a surveyor certification exam to be given in 2002.