Early report on surprise Joint Commission visit to Tufts

Tufts Medical Center heard some praise and some reminders from four surveyors who finished a surprise visit from the Joint Commission last week.

"We have some processes to improve and some strengths on which to build," hospital management said in an e-mail message to employees and trustees.

A formal report will follow from the accrediting organization. Here's the e-mail:

Dear Medical Center Community:

Today was the final day of the Joint Commission's five-day survey of our Medical Center. Many of you met the surveyors and spent time with them, showing them the professional manner in which we deliver care here. Thank you to everyone for your welcoming attitudes, your professionalism, your honesty and diligence throughout their entire stay. The four surveyors - two physicians, a nurse and an engineer -- covered much of our Medical Center during the visit. They saw many best practices happening at our hospitals that they will now take to other organizations they visit. They also provided us with opportunities for learning and improvement. We have some processes to improve and some strengths on which to build. A few highlights: the surveyors complimented us on our Ticket to Safety in the OR, our hand hygiene campaign, our medication reconciliation initiative, the pediatric summary and problem list, our teamwork and our upcoming handoff pilot. They did not note one instance of poor hand hygiene or one problem with a patient's medication reconciliation. At the end of their visit, they communicated to us that this had been an outstanding survey. These are significant achievements and you should be very proud.

We will receive the official report concerning our survey in a few months. We met with all managers this afternoon to recap the survey; all managers will be holding staff meetings with their reports this week to provide an overview of the early survey findings. Once we have the official report we will review it in more detail with the managers and staff.

The surprise nature of their visit starting on a Wednesday reinforces to us all that we are charged with providing the highest level of quality care every day of the week, every week of the year. We owe nothing less to our patients and their families. The Joint Commission visit may be over, but our job of delivering exceptional care continues on. Keep up the good work.

The four of us want you to know that we are very proud to work with each and every one of you and sincerely thank you for your hard work during the visit and your dedication every day to our patients. It is a pleasure to be part of the Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital community with you.

Sincerely,

Ellen Zane, President and CEO
Margaret Vosburgh, Chief Operating Officer
David Fairchild, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Therese Hudson-Jinks, RN, Acting Chief Nursing Officer