*TS: A Fresh Perspective: The Joint Commission Revamps Standard and Survey Process (PDF) [REF: LD, SC] The Source, June 2016, Vol 14, #6, Pg 1 JCs1606_B2

TJC’s Project Refresh and one of its initiatives, the Survey Analysis for Evaluation Risk (SAFER) Matrix were announced in the May Perspectives and TJC Online.  SAFER actually went into effect first for deemed status psychiatric hospitals (on June 6, 2016). It is being touted as a better, more effective/consistent way to determine the likely impact of a survey finding on patient safety and/or quality of care. This offering in The Source provides a little more detail on three of the initiatives comprising this evolving process.

• Re: Modernizing Standards – TJC plans to eliminate 131 EPs from the hospital accreditation manual by the end of July, 2016
• Re: Replacing the Criticality Model – The SAFER Matrix has replaced the Criticality Model and eliminated EP categories (i.e., A, C) and impact status (i.e., direct, indirect).
• Re: Revision of the post-survey process – Survey follow up will no longer include single finding ‘Opportunities for Improvement’ or MOS measures and all cited deficiencies will have the same 60-day time frame for corrective action. However, it has previously been indicated that more serious findings will require more leadership involvement in the analysis of improvement opportunities.  This article also announces a revision of the clarification process such that it can actually take  place during the survey.  Organizations are also to be invited to participate on SIG calls made by surveyors during survey.
• ‘Enhanced mobile technology’ – this term was mentioned but not explained. Stay tuned for more on the meaning of this.

Tip: Be sure to ask for onsite clarification if you are seriously concerned about a finding. In a survey earlier this month the surveyors were not forthcoming about that option.
See also:

• SPHCC Summary/Review of The SAFER Matrix: A new Scoring Methodology

• TJC Article (Full Text): The SAFER Matrix: A new Scoring Methodology
• TJC: FAQ for SAFER