Blog 7

Facts about Joint Commission accreditation standards

My article this week is on the facts about JCAHO accreditation standards.

JCAHO evaluations measure, assess and improve organization performance. They are looking at things that will improve patient safety. I think a very important thing to remember (as HIM professionals) about JCAHO audits is that they are objective. The evaluations are done by people with opinions. So, I will always remember to be nice to JCAHO auditors (plus try to remember that anyone could be an auditor).

One thing I wasn’t aware of is that standards are developed from the input of health care professionals, providers, measurement experts, consumers, government agencies and employers.

The steps to the standard development process are:
1. The need for new standards is identified by accredited organizations, professional associations, consumer groups and others.
2. The Joint Commission prepares draft standards using input from external task forces, focus groups and experts.
3. The draft standards are reviewed by field-specific Professional and Technical Advisory Committee(s) and a committee of the Board of Commissioners.
4. The draft standards are sent to the field and other stakeholders for review.
5. The draft standards are revised and reviewed by the appropriate PTAC(s) and the Board.
6. The approved standards are published for use by the field.

While most HIM professionals may cringe at the thought of a JCAHO audit, we need to remember that they are in place to help keep patients safe. We all are patients at one time or another and then we appreciate these strict precautions.

http://www.jointcommission.org/Standards/facts_about_accreditation_standards.htm


Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Blood Clots

When I saw this quality tool on the AHRQ website, I knew this would be one that I could speak to personally. While I’ve never had a blood clot, by brother-in-law did and he almost died. His blood clot was caused by a genetic condition called Factor V Leiden. He didn’t know he had a blood clotting disorder. Therefore, knowing about blood clots can benefit everyone.

Anyone who doesn’t move around a lot is at risk for a blood clot. Some other people who can get blood clots are people who:

• Have had recent surgery.
• Are 65 or older.
• Take hormones, especially for birth control. (Ask your doctor about this).
• Have had cancer or are being treated for it.
• Have broken a bone (hip, pelvis, or leg).
• Have a bad bump or bruise.
• Are obese.
• Are confined to bed or a chair much of the time.
• Have had a stroke or are paralyzed.
• Have a special port the doctor put in your body to give you medicine.
• Have varicose (VAR-e-kos) or bad veins.
• Have heart trouble.
• Have had a blood clot before.
• Have a family member who has had a blood clot.
• Have taken a long trip (more than an hour) in a car, airplane, bus, or train.

Symptoms of a blood clot are:
• New swelling in your arm or leg.
• Skin redness.
• Soreness or pain in your arm or leg.
• A warm spot on your leg.

To help prevent blood clots you can:
• Wear loose-fitting clothes, socks, or stockings.
• Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart from time to time.
• Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them.
• Do exercises your doctor gives you.
• Change your position often, especially during a long trip.
• Do not stand or sit for more than 1 hour at a time.
• Eat less salt.
• Try not to bump or hurt your legs and try not to cross them.
• Do not use pillows under your knees.
• Raise the bottom of your bed 4 to 6 inches with blocks or books.
• Take all medicines the doctor prescribes you.

While this isn’t a subject we think about often, it’s one that could save a life.

http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/bloodclots.htm