How often and under what circumstances will the Quality Report change?
The accreditation, demographic and National Patient Safety Goal information will be updated when there are changes. The National Quality Improvement Goal information for hospitals is updated quarterly.
Can my organization “hotlink” to Quality Report on the Quality Check website?
Yes. Each Quality Report has a unique URL that will display in your web browser’s address bar. If your organization has questions about this, please contact Internet/Intranet Communications Manager Frank Barancyk, at (630) 792-5182 or fbarancyk@jointcommission.org.
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What are National Patient Safety Goals and why are they important?
National Patient Safety Goals are a series of specific actions that accredited organizations are required to take in order to prevent medical errors such as miscommunication among caregivers, unsafe use of infusion pumps, and medication mix-ups. A panel of national safety experts has determined that taking these simple, proven steps will reduce the frequency of devastating medical errors.
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Hospital X got a minus on a measure – what does that mean?
A minus means that for that measure, the hospital’s performance was below that of most hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospital has an opportunity to improve in this area.
Hospital X got a check mark on a measure – what does that mean?
A check mark means that for that measure, the hospital’s performance was similar to most Joint Commission-accredited hospitals.
Hospital X got a plus on a measure – what does that mean?
A plus means that for that measure, the hospital’s performance was above most Joint Commission-accredited hospitals.
Hospital X got a star on a measure – what does that mean?
A star means that for that measure, the hospital achieved the best compliance possible with that measure.
Is Hospital Y better than Hospital X because it got a plus on a measure and Hospital X did not?
Not necessarily. The measures are reported on one specific aspect of care. The care patients receive at a hospital depends on many different factors. The Quality Report is one tool to assist individuals in selecting health care services. Individuals should discuss the Quality Report and its contents with their health care providers to help them make informed choices.
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What is the Pantone Matching System (PMS) color of the Gold Seal of Approval™?
The Gold Seal of Approval™ is reproduced using a four-color process. A one-color version of the Gold Seal of Approval™ is available in the online version of this publicity kit. The one-color version uses Pantone color 117.
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Who should our organization contact to obtain our certificate of accreditation? And what if we want to obtain additional copies?
Each organization receives one free certificate of accreditation. If you have questions about your certificate or wish to order additional copies contact Business Coordinator Jean Sponzilli, at (630) 792-5862 or jsponzilli@jointcommission.org.
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Does the Joint Commission need to approve my organization’s advertisement or news release?
No. Your organization is not required to send its ad or news release to the Joint Commission. However, our Department of Communications will be happy to review your promotional materials and answer any questions you may have. If your organization has questions, please contact Speakers Bureau and Professional Relations Coordinator Denise Tucker at (630) 792-5633 or dtucker@jointcommission.org.
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May our organization use a quote from a Joint Commission surveyor?
No. Your organization may not use verbal or written quotes from a Joint Commission surveyor or survey team. Sample news releases are included in this publicity kit and quotes from Joint Commission Executive Directors are provided that may be used in your organization’s promotional materials. Your organization may talk about the survey process in general, such as the composition of the survey team, the number of days the surveyors were on-site, and the scope of the review.
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May our organization hotlink to the Joint Commission’s website so our community can learn more about the importance of accreditation?
Yes, your organization may link to the Joint Commission’s home page, www.jointcommission.org. If your organization has questions about this, please contact Internet/Intranet Communications Manager Frank Barancyk, at (630) 792-5182 or fbarancyk@jointcommission.org.
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