The Importance of Tracer Methodology - Research Paper Example

Tracer methodology The tracer methodology has its roots in science. It has been used by scientific researchers to trace and study subjects and has recorded significant breakthroughs. The tracer methodology in healthcare was introduced around 1971 by Kalk and Kestner. Their main aim of the discovery was to evaluate the quality of health care and identify areas that needed improvement with the help of tracers. In most cases, the tracers were individual patients who were tracked through their medical records and systems such as radiology.

In January 2004, the JCAHO (joint commission on accreditation of healthcare organizations) redesigned their accreditation process through the implementation of the tracer methodology. According to the JCAHO, the tracer methodology is a process of evaluating the patient status, whereby surveyors select patients and use their records in order to assess the organization's compliance to the set standards (Joint Commission retrieved from http://www.jointcommission.org/about/JointCommissionFaqs.aspx).

The surveyors are able to trace the kind of care process that the patient received by interviewing the staff in areas whereby the patient was attended. The surveyor then follows up the treatment process and determines whether the health institution has complied with the Joint Commission standards. The major intent of the follow-up is to ensure that all health organizations are delivering high-quality and safe healthcare. The process serves the purpose of monitoring the patient attendance and assessing the services of the health care organization Apart from gauging the health care center, the surveyors also identify points of potential weaknesses in terms of the organization's performance.

After identifying the areas of weakness, the surveyors may educate the staff in the organization and share with them the strategies used by similar healthcare organizations that have achieved better standards. Tracer activities help in identifying compliance issues that are crucial in determining the organization's compliance to the joint commission. On average, a three-day hospital survey is expected to complete 11 tracers using three surveyors (Joint Commission retrieved from http://www.jointcommission.

org/about/JointCommissionFaqs.aspx). The system requires that the patients selected as tracers are those who have undergone multiple and complex services so that most aspects of the healthcare are evaluated. It is mandatory that the surveyor request the permission of the patient before starting the process. Upon completion of the process and identification that the organization does not comply with the set standards, the surveyor issues the organization a requirement for improvement. The organization is then given 45 days to submit evidence to the commission that they have implemented measures to comply with the set standards (Joint Commission, retrieved from http://www.

jointcommission.org/about/JointCommissionFaqs.aspx). If the commission is satisfied with the presented evidence, it allows the organization to continue operating but plans for another surveyor so as to evaluate the organization's effectiveness. Any healthcare organization which proves that its services meet the standards set by the commission achieves accreditation through the Joint Commission deemed status. The deemed status may be offered by programs such as the conditions of participation (COPs), and conditions for coverage (CFCs)Every health organization, therefore, requires a voluntary deemed status and accreditation if they provide advanced health care.

The accreditation and certification programs are relied on by many governments to control the quality of health care. In conclusion, the tracer methodology ensures that health organizations maintain high standards when administering healthcare to society.