FACT Seeks Inspectors for Virtual Inspections
Inspector availability and willingness to participate in the virtual inspection process is critical to FACT’s continued success as the premiere accreditation in cellular therapy. We need and encourage you to participate!
Careful attention has been given to development and implementation of the virtual reaccreditation process from both the applicant and inspector point of view, including training opportunities and written guidelines. All current active inspectors are eligible to perform virtual inspections. Training for inspectors will begin within the next few weeks starting with those inspectors who have agreed to a scheduled inspection. Virtual inspection training for current inspectors will be all virtual and consist of two steps. Step one includes viewing a short introductory webinar covering the basics of the virtual inspection process and technology, and reviewing the inspector-related documents in the FACT Virtual Inspection Resource Center, located at: http://www.factwebsite.org/virtualinspections/.
The second step will include small group interactive training with the Accreditation Services Manager, Suzanne Birnley, to demonstrate and practice using Zoom as a platform and to ensure inspectors understand the full functionality available to them. FACT’s Business Manager Jay Ann Witt, is currently scheduling virtual renewal inspections and will be contacting active inspectors for availability.
Feedback from both inspection teams after two pilot virtual inspections in January was very positive. The inspectors felt that the preparation process was similar to preparation for an in-person inspection. Slightly more time was required to review additional documents the inspectors requested utilizing RFIs in the FACT Accreditation Portal. On the inspection days, it was beneficial for the inspector to have a printed copy of the checklist or to use two computer screens to enable the checklist or a document to be open on one screen while the Zoom meeting was open on the other. FACT is currently scheduling virtual inspections for two days. Program size and complexity contribute to the amount of time needed, however, allowing two days relieves some pressure and if finished early, allows the inspection team flexibility to plan for the closing meeting and begin report preparation.
We are excited to get this new program established and look forward to participation from all our inspectorate. Additional information and training schedules will be provided soon via email.
Interested in becoming a FACT Inspector? Visit http://www.factwebsite.org/BecomeInspector/.
