Post-Survey Insights and Quick Tips for Success

We just finished a survey this week, and overall, it went very well! While we'll share more specific audit tips soon, here are some quick general insights to help you prepare if you’re heading into a survey soon.

You Are the Glue

Survey is stressful, the fear of the unknown, the worry about missing documentation, and the feeling of being judged are very real. But remember this: you are the glue that holds the team together through this process. You can do this!

The best first step you can take is to create a pre-survey checklist. Take the time now to audit your areas of responsibility before they walk in the door.

During Survey: Lead with Presence, Not Interference

I sometimes hear staff talk about managers jumping in only during a survey. I believe in transparency. I am not the type of manager who jumps in when Survey is occurring, I help like in the way I do every day. I want the surveyors to see what we really run like daily instead of how we run "when State is here." This allows us to learn how to improve our daily functioning authentically.

Be available and encourage your staff but don't interfere.

• Be Available: Make yourself readily available to your team. If staff have questions or need moral support, you are their anchor.

• Encourage: Acknowledge their stress and encourage them through the process.

  
  

Handle Requests Like a Pro

When the Surveyor requests information, provide the documentation you have clearly and promptly.

• Ask Questions: If the information you provide doesn't immediately meet what the Surveyor is looking for, ask questions! If you are keeping up with regulations, you probably already have what they are looking for and just need to provide more documentation to support it.

• Propose Corrections: If you truly don't have something, explain your plan to correct it if it's a simple, fixable error. This demonstrates immediate accountability and a commitment to compliance.

  
  

The Surveyor is a Resource

As stressful as Survey can be, the Surveyors are people, too! Be kind, learn from their knowledge, and observe what they look for to meet the regulations. I personally learn so much from each survey, which makes me a better manager. Every finding is a free piece of advice on how to improve the safety and quality of care in your community.

Are you preparing for your next survey? Reach out to us with any questions!