Healthcare Accreditation and Quality Standards: A Guide for MBA Professionals
February 5th, 2024: 5 mins
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The healthcare landscape in India is witnessing a paradigm shift with an increasing focus on quality, safety, and standardized care.
Healthcare accreditation and quality standards play a pivotal role in elevating the standards of healthcare delivery across the country. In order to provide the best possible care to patients, it is important for medical professionals to prioritize healthcare accreditation.
In this comprehensive guide, specifically tailored for MBA professionals, we will understand the nuances of accreditation and quality standards in healthcare, exploring their significance and the landscape of accreditation bodies.
Understanding Healthcare Accreditation: A Brief Overview
Accreditation for healthcare organizations in India can be defined as a formalized process wherein institutions voluntarily undergo assessments against predefined quality standards.
The primary healthcare management and accreditation body in India is the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), which was established by the Quality Council of India (QCI). NABH sets the benchmark for quality healthcare services and provides accreditation to various types of healthcare organizations.
Importance of Accreditation in Indian Healthcare Management
Some of the many reasons why healthcare management and accreditation is such a crucial task include,
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High-quality Healthcare
Healthcare accreditation standards are designed specifically to promote patient safety and significantly reduce the chances of adverse events such as medication errors or hospital-acquired infections. They help ensure that patients receive safe and best healthcare services.
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Improved Efficiency
Healthcare accreditation also plays a key role in improving the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery in India. By assessing the processes, facilities, and outcomes of healthcare providers, institutions can gain key insights related to areas of improvement and take the necessary steps accordingly.
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Helps to Build Trust
Healthcare accreditation fosters an environment wherein patients and medical professionals trust each other. Patients are usually more inclined toward healthcare institutions that have been accredited since they guarantee high standards of care. The consistent practices of quality assurance in healthcare ultimately results in patient satisfaction and loyalty and also helps boost the organization's reputation.
Key Accrediting Bodies
Healthcare accreditation in India comprises several types, each of which comes alongside its own set of accreditation criteria for healthcare and standards. Let us go through some of the most common types to offer a deeper insight to aspiring MBA professionals in healthcare.
- NABH
As mentioned earlier, NABH is an autonomous body that is responsible for setting standards and assessing the quality and safety of healthcare services provided by various healthcare organizations. It operates to improve the quality of healthcare services and promote patient safety across the country.
- Joint Commission International (JCI)
Joint Commission International, commonly referred to as JCI operates in about 124 countries and has accredited healthcare organizations across the globe. It is an international organization that provides accreditations, certification, and consulting services for healthcare institutions worldwide. The primary aim of JCI is to promote patient safety and quality of care.
- National Accreditation Body for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
NABL is an accreditation body in India that operates under the shelter of the Quality Council of India (QCI). The main objective of NABL is to provide a formal recognition to laboratories that demonstrate competence, impartiality, and reliability in their testing and calibration activities.
Conclusion
In order to navigate the landscape of healthcare management and accreditation in India, you need a nuanced understanding of the regulatory framework, accreditation bodies, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities within the Indian healthcare system. Hopefully, with this guide, online MBA degree aspirants in healthcare quality management will acquire the knowledge required to navigate an insightful career in hospital and healthcare management.
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