Joint Commission International (JCI): A Partner in Quality and Safety

Abstract

The voice for health care quality and safety comes from many different directions and sources. The European Union is developing a voice in health care through the many projects with which it is associated and through health care–related research. A large variety of public- and private-sector organizations, including certification and accreditation agencies, provide methods, tools, and strategies for evaluating and improving the quality and safety of health care provided. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has long been an internationally recognized voice for quality and safety of health care through accreditation and the transfer of supportive knowledge through publications, education, and technical assistance. The international accreditation programs of Joint Commission International (JCI) are based on consensus standards developed by and for health care professions from many parts of the world. These standards are to date the only truly international standards available that reflect the full scope of clinical and managerial functions found in contemporary health care. Improving quality and safety of health care will clearly take a partnership of accreditation agencies, professional societies, government agencies, individual health care facilities, and the public. The true legacy of any effort to promote patient care quality and safety can be observed each time a patient receives care. JCI’s global perspective and extensive experiences within and across countries make it well qualified to be the trusted, knowledgeable partner for health care quality and patient safety in the years ahead.