Developing a strategy for accreditation of clinical services

Accreditation of digestive endoscopy services: a method of quality assuring?

INTRODUCTION

Accreditation is one method of assuring quality, but the evidence base in support of service accreditation is mixed. More recent experiences indicate that accreditation may accelerate improvements.

AREAS COVERED

Our aim is focused on endoscopy service accreditation and we conducted a literature search using Medline (via Pubmed) and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials up to January 2020.

EXPERT OPINION

Worldwide numerous centers fail to meet important quality indicators as suggested by international guidelines. Accreditation can provide means for detecting many problems and correcting them by implementing agreed standards.

Explaining the accreditation process from the institutional isomorphism perspective: a case study of Jordanian primary healthcare centers

BACKGROUND

While the main focus of accreditation initiatives has been on hospitals, the implementation of these programs is a relatively new notion among other types of healthcare facilities. Correspondingly, this study aims to understand how accreditation is perceived among primary public healthcare centers using an isomorphic institutional theory.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY

Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 56 healthcare professionals and administrative staff from seven non-profit healthcare centers in Jordan using an explanatory case-study approach.

RESULTS

The informants' narratives revealed that all three components of institutional theory: coercive, mimetic, and normative pressure, were drivers for institutional change in seeking accreditation. There was an overlapping and blending between the three various types of pressure. While participants perceived that healthcare centers faced formal and informal pressures to achieve accreditation, health centers were reluctant about the time, amount of effort, and their ability to achieve the accreditation. Ambiguity and fear of failure forced them to model successful ones. Moreover, the findings revealed that normative values of health professionals enhanced institutional isomorphism and influenced the accreditation process.

CONCLUSION

Identifying these isomorphic changes may help key stakeholders to develop plans, policies, and procedures that could improve the quality of healthcare and enhance accreditation as an organizational strategic plan. Moreover, the study provided explanations of why and how organizations move to adopt new interventions and grow over time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.