What is the process for reviewing environmental services documentation?

1 Identify the purpose

The first step in conducting a review is to identify its purpose. Depending on the type of facility, this purpose may differ. Common reasons for conducting a review include meeting regulatory standards, improving quality and efficiency of services, addressing gaps or errors in processes, providing feedback and recognition to staff, and supporting continuous learning. Identifying the purpose will allow you to determine the scope, criteria, and frequency of the review.

2 Gather the documents

The next step is to gather the documents necessary for review. These documents may include ES policies and procedures, checklists and forms, logs and reports, training records and certificates, audits and inspections, incident reports and corrective actions, or feedback and surveys. To access these documents, you may need to use paper files, electronic databases, or online platforms. Ensure that you have the correct permissions and access codes before retrieving the documents.

3 Review the documents

The third step is to review the documents according to the criteria and standards that apply to the purpose and scope of the review. Accuracy, completeness, timeliness, compliance, and quality are all important considerations when it comes to ES services. The documents should reflect actual performance and outcomes without any errors or discrepancies, contain all relevant information, be completed within specified time frames, adhere to applicable laws and regulations, and demonstrate effectiveness and efficiency while promoting customer satisfaction and safety. Different tools and methods may be used for the review process such as checklists, rubrics, scoring systems, or software applications. It is important to document any findings or observations during the review.

4 Analyze the results

The fourth step is to analyze the results of the review. This involves summarizing, comparing, and interpreting the data and information you collected from the documents. Descriptive statistics can be used to describe the basic features and patterns of the data, such as mean, median, mode, range, frequency, or percentage. Inferential statistics can be used to draw conclusions and make predictions based on the data, such as correlation, regression, hypothesis testing, or confidence intervals. Qualitative analysis can be used to identify and explore the themes, meanings, and perspectives of the data through content analysis, thematic analysis, or narrative analysis. You may need to use different software and programs to analyze the data, such as Excel, SPSS, NVivo, or Tableau. Make sure to present your results in a clear and concise manner by utilizing tables, charts, graphs, or diagrams.

5 Report the findings

The fifth step is reporting the findings of the analysis, which involves communicating and sharing the results, implications, and recommendations of the review with the relevant audiences and stakeholders. To do this, you may need to use different software and tools such as Word, PowerPoint, Prezi, or Zoom to create and deliver an executive summary, full report, or presentation. It's important to tailor your report to the needs and expectations of your audience and stakeholders. An executive summary should provide a brief overview of the main points and highlights of the review. A full report should provide a detailed account of the entire review process. And a presentation should provide a visual display of key aspects and outcomes of the review using slides, videos, audio, or animations.

6 Follow up the actions

The sixth and final step is to follow up the actions that result from the report. This involves implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the changes and improvements that are suggested or required by the review. For instance, you may need to update or revise ES policies and procedures, provide or enhance ES training and education, improve or streamline ES workflows and systems, correct or prevent ES errors or incidents, recognize or reward ES staff performance, and solicit or respond to ES feedback and suggestions. To do this, you may need to collaborate with different departments and teams such as ES managers, supervisors, staff, quality assurance, infection control, risk management, or human resources. Don't forget to track and measure the impact and outcomes of the actions using indicators, metrics, or benchmarks.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?