Working to meet accreditation standards can help ASCs sustain a safe environment and send a positive message to prospective patients or physicians, according to Surgical Information Systems.
Surgical Information Systems shared three steps to help ASCs maintain accreditation:
1. Keep a spotlight on accreditation. Even after a successful accreditation survey, it's important to ensure processes and staff efforts continue to focus on meeting or exceeding standards. Discuss standards frequently at staff meetings and during rounds, send emails highlighting specific standards and best practices, and note which standards are being addressed through education during staff training.
2. Conduct periodic mock surveys. Ideally, a knowledgeable outside consultant should observe staff practices, converse with staff members about their responsibilities and review documentation for improvement opportunities. It's effective to keep staff unaware of the mock survey until afterward to gain an accurate performance assessment. Discuss the results of the mock survey with staff and address any concerns that arise.
3. Support compliance efforts. Help staff follow standards by investing in resources such as ASC-focused clinical documentation and analytics software. Consider sending staff to local and/or national ASC meetings to learn best practices and give them the time and money to register for educational webinars. Keep up with accreditation news and guidance by receiving industry publications.