Health Care Providers’ Compliance to Joint Commission International Patient Safety Goals during the Pre and Post Accreditation Period (2015-2016) in Public Hospitals in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: Preparing for JCI accreditation is a complex task. The work has to be based on JCI standards and requirements and usually lasts for two years. Patient safety is considered a fundamental principle of excellence in healthcare. However, the International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG) are considered as the most important chapter in the Joint Commission International standards and staff compliance is extremely required. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to assess the compliance of healthcare providers to the JCI Patient Safety Goals during the pre and post JCIA survey period (2015-2016) and to develop a model to assist healthcare providers to have better compliance with the JCI standards. 2015 represents the period within 2 years post accreditation and 2016 represents the period of one-year pre-accreditation. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Two convenience samples from two governmental hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. The participants were selected at two points of time (2015 and 2016). The sample consisted of nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers who were questioned and observed to check their compliance to JCI Patient Safety Goals. Results: In terms of IPSG survey, the results reflected a decline in healthcare providers’ awareness post-JCIA survey from mean of (88.48) to (76.48), with (p< 0.001). Regarding health care providers’ compliance to IPSG documentation in patients’ files, the mean of compliance decreased from (M=94.6) to (M=84.39) post JCIA survey, (p< 0.001). Moreover, healthcare provider’s adherence to hospital policies related to JCI safety goals declined from (M= 100) pre JCIA to (M=45) post JCIA with (p< 0.001). Thus, the overall compliance and knowledge to JCI safety goals shows significant decline during the period of post survey (2015) compared to pre-survey (2016). Conclusion and Recommendations: The study found increase in compliance and adherence to International Patient Safety Goals standards prior to the accreditation surveys and with a marked decline in compliance and knowledge post accreditation. The author suggested a model of recommendations that emphasizes on the need for unannounced surveys by JCI after the accreditation and reaccreditation to ensure that compliance is not just for the purpose of the accreditation but is embedded in the daily routine and culture of the organization. It is extremely important to change from a survey preparation approach to continual readiness.