Volume 73 - Fall 1999	Download

Conducting Team Visits to Clinical Sites by Norton I. German, MD CLSPRC Member

Which sites do we have to visit? Do we have to go to all sites? What of the sites far away, maybe 300 miles or more distant? Could we use the videotaping option? What if we don't have enough time to visit all clinical sites? Do we need to visit sites visited by the previous site visit team (SVT)? If we only have time to visit some sites, which ones do we choose? What do we look for during a visit?

These are some of the questions that arise periodically when a SVT is preparing to do a site visit during the accreditation cycle. Let's explore both the requirements and the options. Site visits to clinical affiliate sites have sufficient personnel and physical resources to instruct the students in a safe environment to meet the program's objectives. Also, clinical site instructors know what to teach the students using appropriate evaluation tools and knowledge of educational methods such as benchside teaching.

Programs seeking NAACLS' initial accreditation must receive site visits to all clinical affiliates prior to the completion of the program's site visit. If the site visit team cannot accomplish this task during a one to three day visit, either because of the high number of affiliates or the great distances involved, the SVT coordinator and NAACLS staff will confer so that the NAACLS staff may seek other volunteers near to the clinical sites to perform the site visits prior to the program's site visit. Such additional site visitors are selected, on per site, on the basis of proximity to clinical sites.

For programs seeking continuing accreditation, all affiliate sites added since the last accreditation review cycle must be site visited. The previous guidelines for numerous and/or distant sites apply.

Site visit teams should try to visit previously visited sites as time permits. If time and distance are limiting factors so that all sites cannot be visited, then preference should be given to visiting the smallest clinical sites where resources could be marginal.

The alternative site visit method of videotaping, if desired by the program, must be approved by NAACLS in advance. (See sidebar, "Use of Videotapes in Lieu of Clinical Affiliate Site Visits, " on page 3.)

The SVT coordinator needs to work with the program director to plan the site visit schedule, allotting sufficient time for planned visits to clinical affiliates. If time does not allow for all members of the SVT to travel together, it is possible for the SVT to split up with one team member visiting some sites. Advance planning with the program directors is important to ensure adequate transportation, personnel and scheduling.

During the site visit, SVT members verify a number of items. The fact that a clinical site may be licensed under the CLIA, accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, accredited by the College of American Pathologists and American Association of Blood Banks as well as having an FDA license, are all to the good. However, it is still necessary for the site visitor to evaluate the clinical affiliate site. Consider whether the site has ample staffing space, and equipment to support student teaching. Are safety requirements being met with both students and staff following applicable precautions? Do both the students and teaching faculty have knowledge of the clinical objectives? How are evaluations being carried out, as well as documentation of student's progress? Are students required to do service work as a substitute for staff?

Last, but not least, be ever mindful of the fact that clinical affiliate sites are crucial to the best training of clinical laboratory personnel. As much as is possible, freely express positive feelings and praise of the clinical sites and their importance in the program's success. The continued future partnership of educational programs and clinical sites will benefit both partners and provide patients with quality health care to meet their present and future needs.

Top of the News
			Conducting Team Visits to Clinical Sites by Norton I. German, MD CLSPRC Member
			Introducing New BOD and Committee Members by Megan Hennessy Eggert Meetings and Publicity Coordinator
			NAACLS Staff Update by Megan Hennessy Eggert Meetings and Publicity Coordinator
			Preparing for the Site Visit - Without Losing Sleep by Daniel Tice Administrative Liaison and Program Services Coordinator
			Teleconference Orientation for Site Visitors by Daniel Tice Administrative Liaison and Program Services Coordinator
			Use of Videotapes in Lieu of Clinical Affiliate Site Visits Videotaping Policy
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			Programs to be Site Visited Spring / Summer 2000 Cycle
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