CEO Message

The Medical Center of Aurora and Centennial Medical Plaza voluntarily participates in The Joint Commission (TJC) accreditation process. The process helps to ensure high standards in patient safety and the delivery of patient care in our facilities. This year, our facility expects the unannounced TJC survey to occur between now and March 31, 2011. TJC is the principle accrediting agency for hospitals, nursing homes and healthcare programs in the United States. In our organization, the survey process is used as another tool to help us achieve our Vision “to provide an excellent experience for our patients and their families.”

The majority of our staff and physicians are experienced in participating in TJC survey, but some of our newer team members may be unfamiliar with the survey process. TJC uses “tracer methodology” during the survey, which tracks a patient’s experience from admission to discharge. This methodology ensures that all transitions and levels of care meet quality and patient safety guidelines. The quality and safety guidelines are called Elements of Performance (EP). The survey team strives to provide positive feedback to facilities when EP’s are followed and best practices are identified. Of course, when opportunity or non compliance is observed, TJC surveyors describe the needed corrections as requirements for improvement (RFI).

Surveyors are always accompanied by members of the Quality Team and Leadership Team. However, the survey team can speak with any staff member or physician in the facility. In other words, we should all be ready and prepared to answer any questions posed by the surveyor. If you have any questions about TJC survey criteria, please reach out to your department leader or member of the Quality department for help. They will gladly assist you.

In 2010, TMCA/CMP participated in two mock surveys to prepare for the unannounced survey this year. Each survey resulted in the validation of the quality of care provided to our patients along with opportunities for improvement, which have been addressed through education and process improvement. I am confident that our organization is well prepared, and I fully expect a successful outcome of this year’s TJC survey. I wish to thank each of you for your continued readiness and preparation for this year’s survey and for the excellent care that you provide to our patients and their families each day.