Which types of documents are reviewed by the survey team?

The review of policies and procedure manuals by the survey team is essential because these documents outline the operational framework and standards that an organization is expected to adhere to in delivering quality care and maintaining safety. Examining these manuals allows the survey team to assess whether the organization's policies align with regulatory requirements and best practices.

Policies and procedure manuals serve as key references for staff to understand their roles, responsibilities, and proper procedures in various scenarios. By reviewing these documents, the team can determine if the organization has established effective governance, compliance frameworks, and approaches to quality improvement. This analysis helps ensure that an organization not only meets accreditation standards but also effectively implements the protocols intended to enhance patient safety and care quality.

In contrast, while other documents such as patient charts, live patient interviews, and staff performance reviews provide valuable information about specific aspects of care delivery, they are not as comprehensive or foundational as policies and procedure manuals for evaluating an organization's overall adherence to safety and quality protocols.