Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked by hospitals as they begin their implementation journey. Please contact us with others you might have.

Q. What is ISO and MAPSS?
A. ISO represents the International Organization of Standardization. Globally, the IOS controls more than thirteen thousand standards that regulate multiple types of industries to ensure processes are universally performed the same. MAPSS is a specific product developed for healthcare that utilizes ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2006 to improve hospital process management.

Q. What is ISO 9001:2000?
A. The ISO 9001:2000 standard is the universally applicable standard developed by the IOS (International Organization for Standardization) for Quality Management Systems. The ISO 9001:2000 Management Standard is designed to control all critical processes of the organization.
To learn more about ISO 9001:2000, click here.

Q. What is ISO 14001:2004?
A. The ISO 14001:2004 is the latest revision of the IOS’s Environmental Management System Standrds. An organization would utilize the ISO 14001 standard to control the processes that interact with and have a significant effect on the environment.
To learn more about ISO 14001:2004, click here.

Q. What is OHSAS 18001:2006?
A. OHSAS 18001:2006 is the latest revision of a management standard designed to assist an organization maintain and improve the safety and health of an organizations workforce. The organization would utilize the OHSAS 18001 standard to control those processes that pose an intolerable health hazard and risk to their employees.
To learn more about OHSAS 18001:2006, click here.

Q. Why do hospitals choose to work with MAI?
A. MAI is the leader in the United States at assisting healthcare organizations develop management systems based on ISO. MAI consultants go far past the basic requirements of ISO to assist hospitals in developing front end risk management programs designed to eliminate errors from the hospital.

Q. Is your main focus on reduction of medical errors?
A. No, Our main focus is the elimination of variation in the underlying processes of the hospital. Through the elimination of this variation medical errors are reduced.

Q. Can we implement MAPSS/ISO without MAI?
A. The answer is yes; however, we have found the assistance MAI coaches provide has greatly improved the final outcomes of the systems. MAI’s LDI process is designed to provide the hospital with all the necessary skills and tools necessary for a successful implementation.

Q. How long does it take to change an organization so you start seeing real results?
A. Initial results will be seen almost immediately, however significant culture change results require approximately 12 months.

Q. Can you implement in only one department of the hospital and still see results?
A. Yes; however results would be limited to that department. We recommend an approach that prioritizes based on high risk departments.

Q. Our organization already has too many priorities. How can we fit something else on our plate?
A. We find that focusing on the underlying process variations actually enables the organization to free up valuable time to work on the higher priority patient focused issues.

Q. How is this different than all the other programs?
A. This is not a program. MAPSS is a culture change philosophy designed to modify the hospital into a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable organization.

Q. What is the biggest pitfall to success?
A. Lack of top management support. All initiatives fail due to lack of top management support. Without top management support resources will not be allocated for success.

Q. What are typical results you see after implementing these different processes?
A. Typical results include reduced length of stays, reduced documentation errors, reduced number of policies, elimination of ramp up time for accreditation survey, etc.

Q. How do you sustain the initial results?
A. Part of the overall management system is a process of internal assessments. Through the internal assessment process, management review, and corrective action methodology results are integrated into the daily activities of the hospital.

Q. How can I learn more about MAI?
A. By sending an email to maiinfo@mai9000.com with contact information.