What should hospitals do if they cannot provide the required accommodations during a survey?

When hospitals encounter challenges in providing the required accommodations during a survey, notifying the surveyors of the issue is the most appropriate action. This option encourages transparency and clarity in communication, which are essential elements during the accreditation process. The surveyors are responsible for evaluating the hospital's compliance with standards, and by informing them of the situation, hospitals can engage in collaborative discussions to address any shortcomings.

Notifying the surveyors allows for potential adjustments or accommodations that they may make in response to the circumstances. It also illustrates the hospital's commitment to upholding accreditation standards and working in good faith throughout the survey process. Open communication can help to facilitate a more constructive dialogue about the hospital's capabilities and ongoing efforts to improve.

In contrast, delaying the survey may lead to unnecessary setbacks and complications, while proceeding without accommodations could jeopardize the validity of the survey results. Requesting a different surveyor would not address the underlying issues and may not be an acceptable or feasible solution in many cases. Thus, taking proactive steps to inform the surveyors is the best practice when accommodation challenges arise.