[noc4senuf]

The QIS survey is newer to MN. I think it is only being done in 4-5 other states. THe surveyors comein and carry laptops around with them all day. The first stage is based on interviews of 40 residents, 3 family members and the staff (usually nurse managers). From the information received during these interviews, it is put into the computers and it generates what they will look at in the second stage.

We just finished with our survey yesterday after 4 days. They spent most of their time in the conference room going through charts. We asked if they were going to observe any cares being given and they stated "we don't have time for that anymore". So, that means, surveys of the future are based mainly on documentation. Go figure.

[CapeCodMermaid]

This kind of survey hasn't made it to Massachusetts yet. In theory this is more objective than the previous kind of survey. Just makes good documentation all the more critical.

[ltcconsultant]

May I suggest using the forms from the QIS in QAA committee? You can get quality assurance and survey prep done at the same time. The forms have the guidance to surveyors written on them so there is virtually no subjectivity. The ones you really want to use are the stage II critical elements, available here.

[achot chavi]

I hear your disappointment in their prioritizing documentation above hands on care. Unfortunately they are doing what they are instructed to do and it is up to us to ensure that what is written is actually reflected on the ground (so to speak). I guess I am just used to it and you have good advice from the above posters. I can only add that good documentation is not just for the benefit of the surveyors or the potential lawsuits but it makes for good communication among the staff and I think that improves patient care. Good Luck!!

[noc4senuf]

LTCconsultant, I am well schooled in the QIS as is everyone in our facilities and I would think most of MN as we were prepared for it. I do not need your links as i have the book and DVD myself and all our dept heads have copies of the entire works.

[CapeCodMermaid]

Originally Posted by ltcconsultant

May I suggest using the forms from the QIS in QAA committee? You can get quality assurance and survey prep done at the same time. The forms have the guidance to surveyors written on them so there is virtually no subjectivity. The ones you really want to use are the stage II critical elements, available here.

Apparently you don't work for one of the many LTC corporations. Suggest using a different form or doing something differently and you will be scoffed at. Our QAA process is tedious and outdated....audits are done. Anything found must be QAed. Fine but you have to write them on 3 different forms and woe to the person who doesn't.

[NurseExec]

I've been through two of them, as we were one of the first states to implement. I find them more objective, and a little less based on observation, however, we have PLENTY of observation. I was surprised this year, however, when the surveyor didn't ask to see a dressing change. *shrugs* Fine with me, I was still prepared.

The tags are still the same, although some weird stuff gets thrown in under the care plan tags. I'm also finding that scope and severity are more accurate.

We're stuck with it, so we've learned to make the best of it. We prep with the QIS manual, and reallllly work with the line staff on what kinds of questions the surveyors will be asking. This is KEY, especially with CNAs.