JCAHO to perform unannounced surveys

JCAHO is rolling out a new process for conducing on-site accreditation surveys and certification reviews on an unannounced basis, which applies to the more than 15,000 healthcare organizations it accredits.

“Making on-site evaluations less predictable and more focused on potential performance issues is intended to satisfy both public demand for greater organizational accountability and organizational demand for greater value in undergoing these outside evaluations,” Dr. Dennis S. O’Leary, JCAHO president said.

The decision to institute unannounced surveys was driven in large part by healthcare organization leaders who feel their organizations are always performing at a high level. The unannounced surveys also relieve the organizations from the costs incurred in the past in preparing for the evaluations.

From 2006 to 2008, the unannounced surveys will occur in the year in which the organization is due for its next survey. Subsequent unannounced surveys will occur during an interval of 18 to 39 months after the previous unannounced survey.

Safe lifting and movement of nursing home residents

With 211,000 occupational injuries suffered by caregivers in 2003 and increases expected due to the rapidly expanding elderly population in the U.S., a call is being made for safer methods of lifting and moving nursing home residents.

A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report urges the use of lifting equipment, which is safer for the caregiver and more comfortable for the resident. It asserts that nursing homes should provide sufficient training on lift usage so staff develops competency. The training should focus on how to use the equipment for residents with a range of disabilities.

The use of lifting equipment prevents resident falls and the back and shoulder injuries caregivers experience when moving patients manually. Employers benefit from improved resident safety, reduced staff injuries, lower workers’ compensation costs and improved retention of caregivers.