Preparing for a JCAHO survey: utilization of imaging specific tracers

Imaging tracer teams, as well as hospital tracer teams, are utilized to prepare the staff on what to expect when JCAHO surveyors come through the departments during a survey. The tracer teams replicate the surveyors to determine compliance and ensure the staff is comfortable with the methodology and know how to respond to any questions. With JCAHO surveys now being unannounced, the imaging specific tracers keep staff, physicians, and administration all focused on meeting the standards while continuing excellent patient care. The facilities of the Seton Healthcare Network in Austin, TX implemented tracer methodology and were surveyed by JCAHO in the first half of 2006. This article describes this process at these facilities and details the resulting outcomes.