First EDs to undergo regular unannounced surveys warn: be prepared for questions.

ED managers undergoing the first regular unannounced accreditation surveys report that surveyors are heavily interested in the ED. Be sure you are notified and notify your staff as soon as surveyors arrive. Use a last-minute checklist. (See p. 3) Expect patients to be traced to the ED and for your staff to be questioned. Be prepared for surveyors to emphasize National Patient Safety Goals, including those on read-back of orders/test results and hand off communication. Interdepartmental teams and quizzes can help your staff be continuously prepared.