Q&A: The opening conference

Q: What is the purpose of the opening conference for surveyors?

A: The goal of the opening conference is for your organization to provide an overview of who you are and the services you offer. You want to leave the surveyors with a sense of confidence in your ability to oversee these services. If you can work The Joint Commission’s leadership diagram into the opening presentation, this will send the message that leaders are aware of their responsibilities and have considered The Joint Commission’s approach to leadership. Dr. Mark Chassin, president of the Joint Commission, has written an excellent article, “The Ongoing Quality Improvement Journey: Next Step, High Reliability,” in Health Affairs. This is an article that leaders should be able to speak about and, in particular, they should cover where they see their organization in relationship to the three stages of maturity on the path to a high reliability.