Goals and assignments of healthcare accreditation program in Korea

ABSTRACT

Healthcare accreditation program was started in November 2010. The program was operated by newly born institute, Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation. Major characteristic of healthcare accreditation program in Korea is spontaneous program that hospitals voluntarily request for accreditation survey. Goals of healthcare accreditation program in Korea are to change the culture of healthcare supply side from supplier oriented to consumer oriented culture and to change regulation for quality improvement from government initiated regulation to self regulated quality improvement activities by hospitals. Objectives of accreditation are to assure the patient safety and to improve quality of healthcare services in hospitals. Korean Association of Hospital Management conducted a survey on the impact of accreditation program on hospital management, the survey was supported by Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation. Results of the survey showed that accredited hospital had changed to positive direction in patient safety, decision making process, organizational culture and hospital management. Assignments of accreditation program in Korea to be solved are to develop incentive for active participation of small size hospitals, to improve quality of surveyors and to increase the apprehension of accreditation of general population. Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation endeavor to improve quality of surveyors under in depth training program and to advertise accreditation program through radio and TV to the general population. However the incentive program must be developed by government policy.