Accreditation Cycle
Accreditation works on a three-year cycle. Accreditation Canada guides clients through every step in the accreditation process. Between surveys, Accreditation Canada continues to work with clients to make improvements identified by the surveyor team.
Accreditation Primer
The Accreditation Primer is for client organizations new to the accreditation process. Providing an initial assessment of the basic elements of safety and quality, the Accreditation Primer helps organizations to establish the necessary supports, structures, and quality and safetyprocesses to successfully participate in accreditation. The Accreditation Primer forms the foundation for implementing quality improvement efforts that will continue throughout the accreditation process.
Self-Assessment
The self-assessment is a structured process that helps organizations assess their current performance against the standards, determine which areas required more detailed review and follow-up, set priorities, and develop action plans to address areas needing improvement.
Quality Performance Roadmap
A comprehensive record of each client’s accreditation activities and results, the Quality Performance Roadmap helps organizations manage their accreditation journey.
Customized Survey Plan
A customized survey plan is developed for each organization to guide the on-site survey activities.
Priority processes
A priority process is a system or process Accreditation Canada has identified as having a significant impact on patient/client safety and quality of care or service. Surveyors assess priority processes using tracers.
Tracers
A tracer is an interactive activity used to access a priority process where surveyors, accompanied by a staff person, “trace” the path of a client or an administrative process to gather evidence about an organization’s quality and safety of care services.
On-site Survey
The on-site survey is an opportunity for surveyors to discuss the organization’s progress in addressing self-identified areas for improvement, and to share their expertise with organization staff. Depending on the size and complexity of the organization, the on-site survey may last between three and five days.
Accreditation Reports
Three accreditation reports are submitted to the organization at various times during the accreditation process. This procedure helps maintain an ongoing link between the organization and Accreditation Canada and shows the progress achieve throughout the process.