By: Professor Giorgi Pkhakadze, Chair and Founder of the Public Health Institute of Georgia
Hospital accreditation in Georgia is becoming a cornerstone in improving healthcare services. This process introduces international standards that enhance patient care, safety, and hospital efficiency. Accreditation became mandatory for all hospitals in 2023, with a 2025 deadline for international accreditation to qualify for state funding.
Since 2011, the Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG) has been a driving force in promoting hospital accreditation. PHIG, the first organization to focus on quality healthcare and patient safety in the country, has worked tirelessly to implement these standards nationwide.
The Role of Accreditation in Healthcare
Accreditation serves as a formal certification process, ensuring healthcare facilities meet global standards, from patient safety to staff qualifications. It drives continuous improvement by aligning hospitals with international best practices.
Two globally recognized accreditation organizations, Joint Commission International (JCI) and Accreditation Canada (AC), lead the way in setting high standards for healthcare. JCI accredits over 1,000 healthcare organizations worldwide, and AC accredits more than 14,000, covering large hospitals, academic medical centers, clinics, and home care services. These two bodies set the gold standard for healthcare safety and quality globally.
International Experience and Success
JCI and AC standards have been successfully adopted worldwide, significantly transforming healthcare systems. In the Middle East, Turkey and Jordan have embraced JCI standards, which have led to improvements in hospital operations, patient safety, and care quality. Both countries have reduced medical errors and elevated patient satisfaction through these global standards.
In Europe, countries such as Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Cyprus have adopted Accreditation Canada standards to enhance their healthcare systems, ensuring uniform, high-quality care across regions.
In the Gulf countries, both JCI and AC have played leading roles in advancing healthcare standards. For instance, in Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) partnered with Accreditation Canada and Health Standards Organization (HSO) to improve emergency medical services through the “Enhancing Critical Care and Emergency Transfer Services” project. This collaboration significantly improved response times and patient outcomes by overhauling Dubai’s emergency system, demonstrating the transformative power of accreditation.
The Benefits of Accreditation for Georgia
The implementation of international accreditation standards in Georgia is already making a significant impact on the healthcare sector. Key benefits include:
1. Improved Patient Safety and Care
Accreditation prioritizes patient safety. By adhering to international standards, Georgian hospitals can better manage infections, prevent medical errors, and ensure consistent patient care. This creates a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers alike.
2. Professional Development for Healthcare Workers
Accreditation enhances the professional development of healthcare staff. Georgian doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel are receiving advanced training in patient care, safety protocols, and the latest innovations, ensuring they stay aligned with global healthcare advancements.
3. Enhanced Hospital Reputation and Attractiveness
Accredited hospitals gain a reputation boost. International accreditation signals that hospitals meet the highest standards of care, fostering greater trust among patients and attracting top healthcare talent, both locally and internationally.
4. Uniform Standards Across the Healthcare System
One of the most significant advantages of accreditation is the uniformity it brings across the healthcare system. Accreditation ensures that all hospitals, whether urban or rural, meet the same high standards of care, reducing disparities and improving overall healthcare outcomes in Georgia.
Challenges and Opportunities
As Georgia approaches the 2025 deadline for mandatory international accreditation, hospitals are making substantial efforts to meet these new standards. While the process requires investments in infrastructure, training, and technology, the long-term benefits are immense.
A primary challenge is ensuring that smaller, rural hospitals have the necessary resources and support to achieve accreditation.
Conclusion
Hospital accreditation is a critical step in transforming Georgia’s healthcare system. By adopting international standards, Georgian hospitals are improving patient safety, care quality, and operational efficiency. With the leadership of organizations like the Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG) and the support of trusted accreditation bodies like JCI and Accreditation Canada, the country is well on its way to delivering safer, more reliable healthcare and aligning with global best practices.
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