The Joint Commission conducts two types of tracer events: 1. Patient tracers 2. System tracers Patient tracers follow the path of selected patients through a healthcare organization. Everyone involved in caring for the patient and their loved ones, directly or indirectly can potentially be interviewed by a surveyor during the tracer activity. This is an actual assessment of how effectively and safely the care of a patient and their loved ones is managed. The Joint Commission surveyors first review the patient’s medical chart to gather information, after which they interview staff concerning the care of the patient. Patient and family members may also be interviewed. System tracers differ from patient tracers. In the system tracer the Joint Commission’s surveyors explore high-risk system processes common to healthcare organizations. This includes medication management, infection control and how data is used. System tracers are scheduled interviews involving leadership, dire...