What to expect from your mock survey

If you ask a consulting firm to perform your mock survey, it should provide the following:

• The survey, or reassessment, team should represent all disciplines of the hospital administration, medical staff, patient care services, and environment of care. This last area has recently become specialized.

• A survey can last two to five days, or more.

• An executive summary of the team’s findings should be presented upon completion.

• A written report of high-risk issues and suggestions for addressing them should be submitted within three weeks. Included should be samples from successful organizations (anonymous).

• Some surveys include an additional day with a prioritized action plan. This helps institutions get a quick start with tasks and accountabilities and establishes goal dates.

• Some surveys will provide follow-up visits when requested.