How to Interpret Joint Commission Standards

The Joint Commission develops health care standards geared towards the promotion of positive patient safety practices and quality of medical care. The Joint Commission updates its standards based on feedback from several entities ranging from the public sector of consumers, to the expert findings and opinions of medical professionals. The Joint Commission has several interpretation resources regarding its National Patient Safety Goals, intended for public use.

Instructions

• 1

  Read the Joint Commission's easy-to-read version of Standards on National Patient Safety Goals. Written specifically for the public, this format outlines the problems and solutions of patient care safety in easy-to-understand language. Locate the easy-to-read document and the original version of the goals under Standards on the Joint Commission website.

• 2

  Download the "Speak Up" brochures from Joint Commission's website. Written for patients and families in simple language, the brochures teach consumers Joint Commission's standards on preventing medication errors, infections, wrong site surgeries and other patient safety goals. In addition, the brochures encourage patients to speak up and ask questions regarding care and to become educated on their illness.

• 3

  Take Joint Commission's Patient Safety Quiz. The quiz tests the public's knowledge on Joint Commission's Standards on Patient Safety. After taking the quiz, patients may download a link to check answers. The Patient Safety Quiz is a tool that helps to inform patients about Joint Commission's quality care and safety standards.