Quality of Care and the Accreditation of Health Services: What is the Relationship?

Abstract

Abstract Accreditation of ambulatory care and hospital services by either the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH) has frequently been cited as evidence of high quality health care. A detailed study of accreditation processes, however, raises questions about how accurately any accreditation procedure can measure and certify the quality of health care. Accreditation criteria frequently emphasize explicit standards, best at determining an organization's structure and the technical processes of health care. Interpersonal aspects of care and the results of health care interactions (e.g., patient compliance with instructions, avoidance of risky lifestyles, etc.) are poorly captured in the written record and consequently minimized in the accreditation process. Despite the limitations of the accreditation process, accreditation can be used to improve the quality of care. Preparation for an accreditation survey should involve pra...