Accreditation is a process in which an entity, separate and distinct from the health care organization, usually nongovernmental, assesses the health care organization to determine if it meets a set of requirements (standards) designed to improve the safety and quality of care. Accreditation is usually voluntary.
Accreditation standards are usually regarded as optimal and achievable. Accreditation provides a visible commitment by an organization to improve the safety and quality of patient care, ensure a safe care environment, and continually work to reduce risks to patients and staff.
Benefits of Accreditation
The accreditation process is designed to create a culture of safety and quality within an organization that strives to continually improve patient care processes and results. In doing so, organizations:
1. Improve public trust that the organization is concerned for patient safety and the quality of care.
2. Provide a safe and efficient work environment that contributes to worker satisfaction.
3. Negotiate with sources of payment for care with data on the quality of care.
4. Listen to patients and their families, respect their rights, and involve them in the care process as partners.
5. Create a culture that is open to learning from the timely reporting of adverse events and safety concerns.
6. Establish collaborative leadership that sets priorities for and continuous leadership for quality and patient safety at all levels.
