Quality Indicator Survey (QIS) – Why the departure from the traditional survey?
The QIS demonstration project and subsequent decision to implement it nationwide, represents the culmination of 15 years of CMS-sponsored research and development. This research was aimed at addressing criticisms of the traditional long term care survey process raised by consumers, Congress, survey agencies, the CMS Central Office and long term care providers who have for years, asked for a more consistent, objective and uniform survey across states and regions.
The concept for the QIS was born in 1993 when researchers at the University of Colorado developed a two-stage quality assessment approach to review quality of care and life in nursing homes. The following year, this approach was tested by Colorado and Massachusetts surveyors for use during the survey process. Using their feedback, the research team continued to refine the two-stage quality assessment tool, which led to the contract with CMS. The University of Colorado and the University of Wisconsin were charged with expanding the two-stage quality assessment process to include more regulatory areas. This contract was completed in 2003 and resulted in the QIS, which was automated by CMS for state surveyor use.
CMS’ main objective of using the QIS for survey is to standardize how the survey process measures nursing home compliance with federal standards and interpretive guidelines. Using an automated process that guides surveyors through a structured investigation, allows for systematic and objective review of all regulatory areas and focus on selected areas for further review.
Coming Next: Differences between the QIS and Traditional Survey
Author: Kathy Pellatt, EQUIP Lead Quality Improvement Analyst