Being Survey Ready

One of the most daunting tasks an HTM site-lead or HTM leader must do is make sure that their facility is survey ready. Regardless of the agency performing the survey, there are several things in common that you should do.  Although you should ideally be survey ready at all times, last minute “cramming” never hurts.

• Most hospital facilities have their own survey ready checklist or guidance.  These include MSDS, clean up, fire safety, evacuation, and emergency management among many others.
• Round the facility. Be sure to look for missing/outdated PM stickers and address accordingly. 
• Work with Perioperative Services on Remote Power Tap policy and compliance. 
• Double check vendor supported items to verify work and documentation are up to date. 
• Makes sure Environment of Care reports are up to date and you can speak to any discrepancies. 
• Have a digital and physical copy of your inventory. Separate High Risk, Non-High Risk and AEM. 
• Know your Medical Equipment Management Plan and related policies. Pay attention to non-hospital owned, loaner, incident, recalls, and patient-owned equipment policies as you may not have to deal with these daily.

Surveys are stressful for everyone but try to remember they are there to help you.  Their goal is not to pull accreditation, but to shine a light on areas for improvement and to share best practices.  Even with this in mind, it is probably most desirable to minimize your interactions.  If your equipment tags are updated and you respond to their initial inquiries well, then they most likely will use their time to concentrate in other areas.