July 9, 1999

In preparation for the next visit from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the hospital underwent a "mock survey" June 24 and 25. The MGH contracted with The Greeley Company, a consulting firm that helps health care organizations prepare for JCAHO inspection, to help the hospital identify strengths and weaknesses in policies, procedures and direct patient care.

Greeley surveyors visited various locations throughout the hospital – such as Dietary, Outpatient Pharmacy, the Emergency Department and several patient care units. Representatives from senior management, medical staff, Corporate Compliance, Operations Improvement, Patient Care Services and the Ethics Committee were on hand to discuss issues with the surveyors.

"This exercise was very useful for us in planning for the next JCAHO survey," says Joan Fitzmaurice, RN, PhD, director of Quality for Patient Care Services and a member of the JCAHO steering committee. "The JCAHO inspection is an important tool for the hospital to help ensure the high quality of services for our patients. We hope to build upon the success we had during the last inspection when the hospital received its highest score from JCAHO."

Although the JCAHO survey is voluntary, most hospitals invite the surveyors to their facilities because Medicare, Medicaid, many state agencies and third-party payors require JCAHO accreditation as a prerequisite for participation. The next JCAHO survey will be conducted in the fall of 2000.