We just received a question from our certification team asking us to clarify the frequency of the comfort survey? Reading the reference guide it states "frequency and survey responding result procedure" shall be provided. We could find no place (CIR, Addenda) where the frequency is recommended.
The space is an oncology treatment facility, which by its nature has a very transient user population. It seems unreasonable to survey patients and family on an ongoing basis.
We are considering proposing a 3, 6, 12 or 18 month frequency. We have seen 3 months accepted, but this seems to place a burden on the staff of the space. The 6 month would capture winter/summer seasonal swings, but seems very frequent. 12 months feels more reasonable, but would not capture the seasonal swing. 18 months would capture the seasonal swing but seems fairly infrequent.
This is the first project we have received this comment on (after the point was marked anticipated in the initial review with no comments.) Thanks for your help.
Heather Walters
23 thumbs up
July 14, 2011 - 8:56 am
To clarify, we do not see it as unreasonable to include patients and family in the surveys when they are given (all 3,6,12, or 18 months), rather we do not want to survey all patients/families continuously.
Brenda Rian
November 27, 2012 - 3:45 pm
Heather-
We've gotten the point previously by simply stating when the survey would be done (in 3 cases = "once; 12 months after occupancy"). Frequency was never mentioned, but maybe they've gotten more particular. The ASHRAE 55-2010 standard seems to think 6 mons. is appropriate ..."Since the survey results encompass a larger timeframe,
the survey can be made every six months or
repeated in heating and/or cooling seasons. It is recommended
that the first thermal satisfaction survey be done
at least six months after a new building has been occupied
in order to identify and help avoid typical new-building
problems/complaints. Since satisfaction may vary under
different operational modes (i.e., seasons, weather), a
survey conducted in one mode should not be generalized
to other modes of operation."