Looking ahead
Often, hospitals engage outside consultants to support the trauma center in planning and preparation for their designation or verification site visit. This assistance includes help with the survey process and guidance in providing the ACS reviewers with the most up-to-date information regarding implementation and ongoing development of the trauma program.
The process typically begins by performing a gap analysis of trauma center standards and results in an action plan for correction where opportunities exist. Additionally, trauma consultants will assess the current state and develop a performance scorecard to measure and compare to leading best practices, hence avoiding deficiencies.
For trauma centers that have undergone a recent ACS site survey and received notable deficiencies, consultants can offer expert guidance in post-survey corrective action planning and implementation.
About the author: Angie Chisolm, MBA/HCM, BSN, RN, CFRN, TCRN, is consulting manager for the trauma service line at Philips.Back to HCB News
