Tracers are used in The Joint Commission's survey process and allow surveyors to detect performance issues throughout the process.
Here are three things to know about the tracer methodology:
1. Tracers are used to monitor the experiences a patient had while at a healthcare organization. They analyze the way the organization provides care and services, using patients as the framework for determine compliance with standards. Patients selected for tracers are those in high-risk areas, or if their diagnosis may provide an accurate in-depth evaluation of an organization's practices and processes.
2. System tracer activity includes a session with a surveyor and staff members where a specific system is traced within an organization.
3. Accreditation-specific tracers identify safety concerns and risk points across different types of care, services and treatment