ACCREDITATION in tertiary care hospitals is associated with significant improvements in patient safety, operational efficiency, and staff satisfaction. This is according to a new systematic review evaluating outcomes before and after the implementation of structured accreditation standards.
The study examined the impact of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers framework, which assesses organizational performance through external peer evaluation. Findings demonstrated that accreditation was linked with measurable advances in quality indicators across infection control, patient care, and hospital management.
Hospital-acquired infection rates declined substantially following accreditation, with compliance in infection prevention measures increasing by 40%. Operational improvements included a 20% reduction in discharge delays and a 15% rise in documentation accuracy. Patient-reported outcomes also shifted, with satisfaction scores climbing by 25%. Structured policies were shown to strengthen service quality by 30%, while 85% of staff reported greater job satisfaction. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in compliance rates and patient care metrics, reinforcing the clinical relevance of these changes.
Despite these positive findings, the review acknowledged that hospitals often face initial challenges in implementing accreditation standards, particularly when resources are limited. Nonetheless, once established, the structured framework provided by accreditation appears to drive continuous improvement and encourage accountability across the system.
The authors concluded that accreditation offers a sustainable approach to raising healthcare standards in tertiary care hospitals, though long-term success depends on institutional commitment and ongoing monitoring to maintain compliance. For healthcare professionals, these results underscore the value of accreditation not only in improving safety and efficiency but also in fostering a culture of quality that benefits patients and providers alike.
Reference: Kanyal D et al. Evaluating quality improvement in tertiary care hospital before and after NABH accreditation: a systematic review. Front Health Serv. 2025:5:1654514.
