Accreditation Insights: Hospitals In Asia

who makes accreditation of hospitals in asia

Hospital accreditation is a process of self-assessment and external peer assessment used by healthcare organisations to evaluate their performance and implement improvements. Accreditation is one component in the maintenance of patient safety, as well as the safety of staff and the general public. It is also a means of improving the quality of care delivered to patients. There are several international healthcare accreditation organisations that accredit hospitals in Asia. These include the Joint Commission International (JCI), the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), and the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA).

Characteristics Values
Accreditation Definition "A self-assessment and external peer assessment process used by health care organizations to accurately assess their level of performance in relation to established standards and to implement ways to continuously improve"
Accreditation Focus Patient safety, quality assurance, medical ethics, analytical, counseling, self-improvement, and reduction of medical errors
Accreditation Providers Joint Commission International (JCI), Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA), Korean Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients (KAHF), International Accreditation System in Interventional Oncology Services (IASIOS), Agency for Accreditation of Health Institutions of Serbia (AZUS), Taiwan Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation, Healthcare Accreditation Institute (Thailand), Instance National d'Evaluation et de l'Accreditation en Sante (Turkey), United Kingdom Accreditation Forum (UKAF), Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), American Accreditation Commission International (AACI), CHKS Ltd (UK), Lembaga Akreditasi Rumah Sakit (Indonesia), Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (Australia), Accreditation Canada (AC), Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS)
Accreditation Regions Southeast Asia, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Bangkok, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, France

shunhospital

The role of accreditation in patient safety

Accreditation is a self-assessment and external peer-assessment process used by healthcare organisations to evaluate their performance and implement improvements. It plays a critical role in patient safety by reducing medical errors and ensuring minimum standards of care. Accreditation schemes are independent initiatives that assess healthcare providers and improve the quality of hospitals and healthcare services.

Accreditation is not limited to a single standard; it encompasses analytical, counselling, and self-improvement dimensions. It is not just about improving the quality of care but also addressing financial factors. For instance, in the United States, the Joint Commission previously held de facto control over hospitals' ability to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Accreditation programs have shown mixed results in improving patient safety and quality of care. Some studies indicate that accreditation is associated with improved compliance with standards, better organisation of medical staff, and enhanced physical facilities and safety. In the context of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treatment, patients in accredited hospitals received higher-quality care and had lower mortality rates. Additionally, accredited methadone maintenance facilities were more likely to adhere to recommended dosage guidelines.

However, other studies suggest that accreditation may not consistently lead to higher patient satisfaction or improved quality of care. For example, a study in Zambia found little to no effect of accreditation on patient satisfaction, and an analysis of JCAHO accreditation scores revealed a weak relationship between accreditation and quality of care indicators.

To enhance the role of accreditation in patient safety, several improvements can be made. Monitoring and evaluating the consequences of new rules and guidelines can help swiftly correct mistakes. Involving clinicians in the development of new standards can generate better standards and increase appreciation for accreditation. Additionally, piloting changes and fine-tuning them before mandating system-wide implementation can be beneficial due to the complexity of the healthcare system.

In Asia, several hospitals have achieved accreditation from various organisations. For example, St. Luke's Medical Center in the Philippines is the first JCI-accredited hospital in the country and is recognised for its advanced medical technologies and commitment to excellence. Bumrungrad International Hospital, one of the largest private hospitals in Southeast Asia, has been featured in international press as a leader in medical tourism. It holds accreditations from Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) and the Joint Commission International (JCI). Ratchaphruek Hospital in Thailand aims to provide international standards and humanised healthcare.

shunhospital

International healthcare accreditation organisations in Asia

International healthcare accreditation is about improving how care is delivered to patients and the quality of the care they receive. It is a self-assessment and external peer assessment process used by healthcare organisations to accurately assess their level of performance in relation to established standards and to implement ways to continuously improve.

The International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) is an umbrella organisation for such organisations providing international healthcare accreditation. Its offices are based in the Republic of Ireland. ISQua is a small non-profit limited company with members in over 70 countries. The United Kingdom Accreditation Forum, or UKAF, is another umbrella organisation for organisations providing healthcare accreditation. It is based in London.

The Joint Commission is one of the most widely used accreditation organisations. The ISQua is the umbrella organisation responsible for accrediting the Joint Commission accreditation scheme in the US and Accreditation Canada International, as well as accreditation organisations in the United Kingdom and Australia. The Trent Accreditation Scheme, based in the UK, was the first scheme to accredit a hospital in Asia, in Hong Kong in 2000.

The following are some notable international healthcare accreditation organisations in Asia:

  • St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) in the Philippines is the first JCI-accredited hospital in the country.
  • Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand is one of the largest private hospitals in Southeast Asia, providing patients from over 190 countries with a full range of tertiary healthcare services and over 30 specialty centres.
  • Bangpakok 9 International Hospital in Thailand is one of the leading private hospitals in the country, offering local and international patients access to an expert team of doctors, the latest medical equipment, and the highest standards of medical care.
  • Kim Byoung Joon LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic in South Korea is dedicated to delivering top-tier medical services to all patients while prioritising safety. It has certifications from Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA), the Joint Commission International (JCI), and the Korean Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients (KAHF).

shunhospital

The importance of hospital accreditation in Asia

Hospital accreditation is a self-assessment and external peer assessment process used by healthcare organisations to evaluate their performance and implement improvements. Accreditation is not just about standard-setting; it also has analytical, counselling, and self-improvement dimensions. It plays a vital role in patient safety by reducing medical errors and enhancing quality assurance.

In Asia, hospital accreditation holds significant importance, particularly in the context of medical tourism and the increasing presence of private healthcare providers. Medical tourism has been a driving force behind Asian hospitals' pursuit of international accreditations and world-class quality standards. For instance, Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand has become a leader in medical tourism, offering tertiary healthcare services to patients from over 190 countries.

Accreditation schemes provide a framework for hospitals to improve their quality and safety. The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a well-known accreditation body that has set high standards for hospitals in Asia. St. Luke's Medical Center in the Philippines, for instance, has earned international recognition as the first JCI-accredited hospital in the country. Similarly, Ratchaphruek Hospital in Thailand aims to provide international standards and humanised healthcare.

Furthermore, the high cost of healthcare in countries like the US has led patients to seek more affordable alternatives in Asia. By achieving global accreditations, Asian hospitals can assure patients of their commitment to quality and safety. This has resulted in a growing number of medical tourists choosing Asia as their preferred destination for healthcare services.

shunhospital

The Joint Commission International (JCI) and its role in Asia

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is the international arm of the Joint Commission, a non-profit healthcare improvement organisation and the world's largest healthcare accreditor. The Joint Commission collaborates with more than 23,000 healthcare organisations and programs across 70+ countries.

JCI offers a range of services, including accreditation, certification, education, advisory, technology, publications, and patient safety pathways. The mission of JCI is to enable and affirm the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety for all. JCI envisions a future of zero harm and highly reliable care delivery.

JCI consultants are healthcare leaders with experience in diverse medical practices and cultures in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. JCI offers advisory services to help organisations with accreditation preparation, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives. Services include developing national and regional quality evaluation systems, preparing for accreditation and certification, developing and improving operations, measuring performance, and developing ongoing programs of quality improvement.

JCI is the industry-leading international accreditation body, with over 1,000 accredited and certified organisations. JCI is trusted globally across diverse care settings, ranging from large academic healthcare centres, hospitals, and enterprise systems to ambulatory clinics, laboratories, and home care. JCI Patient Safety Pathways is a strategic initiative designed by JCI to support capability building and development of patient safety and quality improvement programs in healthcare organisations.

In Asia, St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) in the Philippines is a JCI-accredited hospital that has consistently earned international recognition for its advanced medical technologies, pioneering procedures, and commitment to excellence.

shunhospital

The future of hospital accreditation in Asia

Accreditation is a self-assessment and external peer assessment process used by healthcare organisations to evaluate their performance and implement improvements. It is a vital component in patient safety and the reduction of medical errors. Accreditation schemes are independent of governmental control and are run by various organisations around the world.

Several international accreditation organisations are already operating in Asia, including the Joint Commission International (JCI), the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua), and country-specific bodies such as the Taiwan Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation and the Healthcare Accreditation Institute in Thailand. These organisations offer accreditation programmes that recognise and promote high-quality healthcare services, providing a benchmark for hospitals in the region to aspire to.

As the trend towards socialised medical systems gains momentum in Asia, accreditation will become even more important. Governments and healthcare providers will seek to ensure that their services meet international standards and provide value for money. Accreditation schemes will need to adapt to the specific needs and challenges of the Asian healthcare landscape, including cultural, economic, and social factors that may impact the delivery of care.

Furthermore, with advancements in medical technology and an increasingly globalised healthcare industry, accreditation bodies will need to stay agile and responsive to emerging trends. This includes incorporating innovative practices and technologies into their standards and recognising the importance of medical tourism, where patients from around the world seek care in Asian hospitals.

In conclusion, the future of hospital accreditation in Asia holds great potential for enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare services. Through the continued development and adaptation of accreditation schemes, hospitals in Asia will be better equipped to meet the diverse and evolving needs of their patients, ultimately improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

VA Teaching Hospitals: Do They Exist?

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

Hospital accreditation is a self-assessment and external peer assessment process used by healthcare organizations to evaluate their performance and implement improvements. It is a means of maintaining and improving quality and patient safety in hospitals.

The International Accreditation System in Interventional Oncology Services (IASIOS) operates in Asia, among other regions. The Joint Commission International (JCI) is another widely recognized accreditation organization with accredited hospitals in Asia.

St. Luke's Medical Center in the Philippines is the first JCI-accredited hospital in the country. Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand and Kim Byoung Joon LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic in South Korea are also JCI-accredited.

Hospital accreditation promotes patient safety and improves the quality of care delivered to patients. It also helps hospitals evaluate their performance, implement improvements, and maintain high standards.

Other international healthcare accreditation organizations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC), and the Taiwan Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment