Medics excel during week-long inspections

  • Published
  • By Capt. David Abbott
  • 17th Medical Group
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Last week the 17th Medical Group completed an in depth Heath Services and Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care inspection; inspections by two separate organizations, ran concurrently.

The Health Services inspection was performed by a nine-member active duty team from the Air Force Inspection Agency. As the primary action arm of the Secretary of the Air Force inspection system, the Air Force Inspection Agency provides independent, timely inspections and facilitates process improvement and integration to advance readiness, compliance and efficiency for the Air Force. The Medical Operations Directorate performs Health Services Inspections of all active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard medical units worldwide.

The Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care survey was performed by a four-member civilian team. The Ambulatory Accreditation Association currently accredits more than 4,600 organizations in a wide variety of ambulatory health care settings. With a single focus on the ambulatory care community, the Accreditation Association offers organizations a cost-effective, flexible and collaborative approach to accreditation. Accreditation is awarded to organizations that are found to be in compliance with the Accreditation Association standards.

The Inspector General team evaluated more than 1,600 inspection criteria over a four day period. The AAAHC surveyors looked at approximately the same number of criteria.
According to Lt. Col. Tyler Sanders, 17th MDG Administrator and 17th Medical Support Squadron Commander, the HSI team looks back over the past three years since the organization's last inspection, while the AAAHC takes a different approach by looking forward at the organization's ability to continue meeting accreditation standards in the future.

He said it will take about 45 days before the group receives the AAAHC report, but expects the 17 MDG to be accredited for another three years. He also added that both of these inspections are a huge undertaking by the entire Medical Group staff and everyone played a significant role in the success.

Col. James Forrest, 17th Medical Group Commander agreed.

"I could not be more proud of how our medics came together to show the inspectors and surveyors how we provide care," Colonel Forrest said. "Despite significant staffing and other challenges, the IG inspectors rated our daily clinical care operations as 'Excellent'. The IG team said we had excellent practices that his team was going to carry with them to other bases."

According to Col Forrest, the AAAHC also had glowing comments.

"At the outbrief, they told us they had no concerns whatsoever with the safety and quality of care being provided by the 17th Medical Group and that they'd feel confident in receiving care for themselves and for their families here," he said.

Colonel Sanders said that with these inspections complete, the work begins on correcting items identified, maintaining items that were fully compliant and beginning the process to preparing for the next round of inspections in three years.

Ultimately, the 17th Medical Group rose to the challenges, met the Air Force Surgeon General's expectations, successfully passing the HSI. The inspectors made special note of a few distinctive accomplishments. In the overall report they noted, "Areas of special strength were the Pharmacy, Patient Safety and Family Advocacy. A good relationship exists with the local network providers and there is a wide-spread perception of quality care delivery. Colonel Forrest and the Cobra Medics have been extremely active in ensuring the 17th MDG meets the wing and Air Force medical missions."