EQuIP Frequently Asked Questions
How long does our organisation have to wait to have an Organisation Wide Survey?
Experience has shown that 12 months is the preferred length of time organisations should plan to have from joining EQuIP to survey. However, this preparation period can be discussed with your EQuIP Customer Services Manager.
How long does an Organisation Wide Survey take?
Surveys usually vary from one to five days depending on the size and scope of your organisation.
How much will EQuIP cost?
Costs are determined and dependent on the size and scope of your organisation. The costs are allocated over a four-year cycle and paid annually. Your EQuIP Customer Services Manager is available to assess the most appropriate fee for your organisation.
What will be the extra workload of implementing EQuIP?
For organisations new to a quality program, infrastructure and systems will need to be established using the EQuIP framework as a guide. Once the first self assessment is completed it becomes a living document for subsequent self assessment reviews.
EQuIP is designed to be incorporated into everyday practice eliminating resources that previously were diverted to prepare for accreditation.
What happens if we want more support for EQuIP?
The EQuIP Customer Services Managers are assigned to each organisation and are readily available to answer any questions you may have on the Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program.
ACHS Education services are run regularly on a wide range of quality and EQuIP implementation issues and custom education programs are available upon request for a reasonable cost.
Is it a good idea to employ a consultant?
Organisations will gain the most benefit and value for money from EQuIP if staff assess their own achievements to the standards facilitated by a person within the organisation. If internal facilitation is not possible, then a consultant may be able to assist, though not replace staff involvement in quality improvement.
What happens if our organisation does not meet the ACHS standards?
Standards relating to the safety of patients and staff need to be satisfactorily achieved for accreditation to be awarded. Depending on the nature of the safety risk, the organisation may not be awarded accreditation.
Accreditation awards are 4 years (Full Accreditation) 1 year (Conditional Accreditation and Non Accreditation) Organisations may also require an Advanced Complete within 60 days Survey to improve a particular safety issue.
Who determines if our organisation is accredited?
The authority to award accreditation status is vested in the ACHS Council. The survey team makes a recommendation on accreditation status to a panel of ACHS Councillors, who determine accreditation status.
Can our organisation appeal against a decision of the ACHS Council?
Yes, details of the appeal process are outlined in the EQuIP Membership Agreement.
What happens to the information obtained about our organisation during accreditation?
Information obtained is used for assessment of your organisation and for future surveys. All information about the organisation is confidential and ACHS is bound by this agreement with EQuIP members. Both staff and surveyors sign a confidentiality statement on appointment to the ACHS.
The ACHS may publish the accreditation status of members, non-identified aggregated data from EQuIP surveys and the national database for clinical indicators for the purpose of encouraging improvement in the quality of care.
When do the EQuIP 4 standards apply?
EQuIP 4 is applicable for all surveys and self assessments from 1st July 2007. From 1st January 2007 to 30th June 2007 EQuIP members may choose to apply EQuIP 3 edition ar EQuIP 4 standards.
Where can I get more information?
Phone the ACHS office on (02) 9281 9955; fax your inquiry to (02) 9211 9633 or email achs@achs.org.au
