Joint Commission World Symposium on Improving Health Care Through Accreditation

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement
• Health Policy

Background:

• Growing global demand for accountability in healthcare quality.
• The Joint Commission sponsored a World Symposium on Accreditation in 1999.
• Symposium focused on improving healthcare worldwide through accreditation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relevance and value of accreditation systems for healthcare accountability.
• To debate key issues in improving global healthcare quality.
• To assess the impact of accreditation on healthcare outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Debates on four propositions regarding healthcare quality and accreditation.
• Keynote presentations followed by reactor panels and audience discussion.
• Balloting to gauge consensus on propositions.

Main Results:

• Agreement that accountability has spurred growth in quality management programs.
• Increased use of external benchmarking with comparative data.
• Accreditation and certification are recognized drivers of quality.

Conclusions:

• Emphasis on accountability is a significant factor in healthcare quality improvement.
• Accreditation systems, alongside credentialing and evidence-based practice, are seen as beneficial.
• The symposium highlighted the role of accreditation in meeting diverse stakeholder needs for quality assurance.