September 12, 2003

Journey to JCAHO comes to an end: Survey begins

It has been a year filled with planning and preparations, and the time has finally come for the MGH to show its excellence as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) surveys the hospital Sept. 15 through 19.

"We're ready," says Maryanne Spicer, director of MGH Compliance and chair of the MGH JCAHO steering committee. "I am very confident in both the hospital and its staff. I think this is going to be an educational experience for everyone involved."

Most departments throughout the hospital have been busy getting ready for this visit since the last time the surveyors were here three years ago. But preparation ramped up about a year ago when the JCAHO steering committee convened. Since that time, the committee has worked diligently to educate the hospital staff about JCAHO-related topics. This was accomplished partially through the FYI campaign, which consists of a website and a series of posters (example above) and informational papers that highlight important topics, such as disaster planning, infection control and performance evaluations. The last FYI papers were distributed this week, focusing on ambulatory care, handling hazardous materials and assessment of domestic abuse.

A schedule of the times and locations of the surveyors' visits has been distributed and can be found on the MGH JCAHO website at http://is.partners.org/jcaho/ MGHers are reminded, however, that surveyors may visit any department at any time. For more information about the JCAHO survey, call Spicer at (617) 726-5109.