Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Accreditation Canada recognize RMSAM™?
In 2005, HIROC and Accreditation Canada formed a strategic partnership focusing on improving patient safety. Subsequently, in 2008, HIROC’s RMSAM™ was recognized as an effective tool for supporting standards. Accreditation Canada states that “tools and systems already exist to help organizations with identifying and assessing risks. For example, the Risk Management Self-Appraisal Modules offered by HIROC is an effective tool that focuses on reducing preventable risks through organization-wide participation in their identification, assessment, and management.”
2. What is RMSAM™?
- A practical, web based risk management self-appraisal tool
- A tool to identify organizational gaps, and prioritize corrective action
- A process that focuses on identifying and managing diverse risk exposures
- A process that allows for individual and team learning
3. What are the benefits of RMSAM™?
- Healthcare modules based on more than twenty years of Canadian healthcare claims experience, supported by literature, research and case law
- Module questions challenge healthcare organizations to examine their policies and practices against Canadian claims experience and leading practices
- Modules are available in an easily accessible web-based format
- Meaningful findings and reports will assist with risk mapping, priority setting and budget preparation
4. What is the time commitment required for RMSAM™?
- Varies depending on the organization’s structure however, it is recommended that organizations budget time to carefully plan teams and resources to complete the program
5. What organizational commitment is required to participate in RMSAM™?
- Senior management and Board commitment
- Appointment of RMSAM™ coordinator
- Multi-disciplinary representation from all departments/programs/services
of the organization
6. Which organizations are participating in RMSAM™?
- Over 50 organizations, including large, medium and small acute care hospitals, long term care organizations, community health centres, health regions, provincial health boards and independent health practitioner groups
7. Can organizations that are not hospitals benefit from RMSAM™?
- Yes, RMSAM™ is a flexible program that allows organizations that do not provide healthcare services to benefit from the non-clinical challenge questions contained in a number of the modules
- Applicable RMSAM™ modules include: Management, Orientation, Risk Management, Credentialing, Human Resources, Facilities and
Engineering Services
8. How will HIROC support RMSAM™ users?
- Comprehensive support is available during normal business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30 – 4:30 EST)
Our services include:
- Pre-implementation planning support and advice
- Web-based demonstration of RMSAM™
- Troubleshooting during 4 year cycle
- Annual risk management critical review and feedback of RMSAM™ submission
9. Our organization is interested in RMSAM™; what are our next steps?
10. Is there a cost to participate in the 4-year cycle of RMSAM™?
- There is no cost for HIROC subscribers (insured by HIROC)
- Organizations not insured by HIROC may participate in RMSAM™ for a fee. Fees vary according to size and type of organization. Pricing details are available by contacting riskmanagement@hiroc.com
