Virtual Inspection

Hi, CAP has come out with some tools for virtual inspectors and virtual inspected labs.  I haven't gone through all the materials because our virtual inspection was last fall and we were winging it.  It felt like we were inspected for 2 weeks instead of 1-2 days.  It was a lot more work. I don't know if the new inspection process from CAP is easier.
Here's the information from CAP/
https://www.cap.org/laboratory-improvement/accreditation/inspector-tools-and-training?x-craft-preview=4InEgU7Sbp&token=yukB6K4T_bluHuljEXukcipQJDrmVrvC&utm_source=pi&utm_medium=pi010821&utm_campaign=modifiedinspections&utm_term=virtualhybrid&utm_content=lqs-lap&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWXpKaVpEZzJPV1JrTWpJdyIsInQiOiI3NTR1YURPeTFlc2xtdVdcL21MYU9naW8yTlwvOEdYbUpiN2k2ZWhjQisyUTFUQko0UGVzTDBmSEhKSFQzcFZEMmM2RForSzJZMjhlbVh4VXZlTmhrWFNZeFNST2lOK0xSUE9tMU42eFNiYTgzMTdweTFaRjJWTWpIYUgwRjBSV1h0In0%3D

And a video
https://vimeo.com/497363175/aa2be17647?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWXpKaVpEZzJPV1JrTWpJdyIsInQiOiI3NTR1YURPeTFlc2xtdVdcL21MYU9naW8yTlwvOEdYbUpiN2k2ZWhjQisyUTFUQko0UGVzTDBmSEhKSFQzcFZEMmM2RForSzJZMjhlbVh4VXZlTmhrWFNZeFNST2lOK0xSUE9tMU42eFNiYTgzMTdweTFaRjJWTWpIYUgwRjBSV1h0In0%3D

We had our virtual inspection just recently. Our window opened last February, and we finally had the first part of the inspection in October. We are a large system, so our inspections normally take a week. We had 2 weeks of document review by CAP and a peer institution. Then, in December we had a virtual inspection where our Quality team went to each of the sites with cameras (phone and tablet) and, guided by the CAP inspectors, showed them what they wanted to see. We had deficiencies from both parts of the inspections, although the second "in person" inspection also allowed us to do "corrected on site" and question some of the original deficiencies. It was brutal, lasting so long and not being sure what to expect, but we got through it and, most important, now it's over for another 2 years!

We had a hybrid inspection last fall. Our window was February to April 2020. in September the inspecting hospital sent a request of documentation to be sent to them. It was a lot of work to gather the necessary documentation, scan and email to them. Then they had follow up requests for more based on what they received. My inspector was very thorough but thoughtful. I was asked for specific months of charts, specific types of competency forms, specific policies, etc. Other departments had requests for all policies to be sent.

A few weeks later a small team came for a half day visit-announced visit. This way we could secure a large enough room for them to work in and we had some face to face time.

Over all, it was a very positive inspection.

We are getting ready to do an inspection ourselves. I believe we will not be visiting or if so, only a few or 1 inspector go. We are hoping to utilize Facetime and or Skype to "see" the lab. Interesting times we are living in!

CAP gave a webinar recently on virtual inspections, tips and concepts. I found it very useful knowledge. Also, I believe there is now a "class" on the CAP website for stakeholders to take. This might take some of the questions out of the equation.