Guarding quality in challenging times. Interview by Emily Friedman.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare accreditation
• Quality improvement in healthcare
• Hospital administration

Background:

• The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH) is at a critical juncture.
• President Dennis S. O'Leary reflects on the organization's trajectory and future strategic directions.
• This article follows a previous discussion on the JCAH's clinical indicators project.

Discussion:

• Key factors influencing the JCAH's future include evolving quality determinants.
• The evaluation of nonhospital healthcare organizations presents new challenges.
• Managing diverse stakeholder involvement is crucial for organizational growth.

Key Insights:

• The JCAH must adapt to changing healthcare landscapes.
• Expanding accreditation scope beyond hospitals is a strategic imperative.
• Effective collaboration with health professions and consumer groups is vital.

Outlook:

• The JCAH's future success depends on proactive adaptation and stakeholder engagement.
• Strategic evolution will shape the organization's role in healthcare quality.
• Continued focus on quality metrics and broader organizational evaluation is anticipated.