Surveys [Healthcare Compliance Tips]

Use surveys to measure the effectiveness of your compliance program.

Per the SAI Global and Strategic Management Services “2019 Healthcare Compliance Benchmark Report:”

• 64% have not used surveys as a means of measuring compliance program effectiveness.
• 29% use professionally developed and independently developed survey systems.
• 19% don’t currently assess the effectiveness of their compliance program.

If you have been following us for a while, we are a big fan of surveying employees and patients regularly.  The information gained from these surveys will assist you with building or improving your compliance programs.

The report also states for credible and useful results consider using an independent source to ensure the confidentiality of participants.  They observed:

There are two general types of surveys that can be employed to evidence compliance program effectiveness: compliance culture surveys and compliance knowledge surveys. However, respondents clearly favor developing and administering surveys internally.  This is not a best practice.

Remember, providing ongoing monitoring of your compliance program should be enacted.  And, when auditing is performed independent of the organization, it allows you to learn and make unbiased changes.

Do you plan to enact surveys?  If so, will you consider using independent survey sources?

**The opinions and observations from the group/author are not a promise to exempt your practice from fines and penalties.  Research, modify, and tailor the advice to fit your specialty.