International Accreditation and Patient Safety – Cornerstones of Quality Healthcare in Georgia
Healthcare quality is an ongoing concern worldwide, and Georgia is no exception. Patient safety and care quality are increasingly at the forefront of healthcare reform, driven by international accreditation standards.
Accreditation by globally recognized bodies such as Joint Commission International (JCI), Accreditation Canada (AC), and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) not only improves the quality of care but also ensures that hospitals adhere to strict safety protocols. The Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG) has taken a leading role in promoting these international standards to transform healthcare in Georgia.
Professor Tamar Talakvadze, the local advisor for Accreditation Canada, highlights the significance of accreditation for patient safety and healthcare quality. As more hospitals in Georgia seek accreditation, the healthcare system is moving toward a model where patient safety is central to every aspect of care.
What is Healthcare Accreditation?
Healthcare accreditation is a formal process where hospitals and healthcare facilities are assessed against international standards by independent accreditation bodies. These standards cover various aspects of care, including patient safety, clinical processes, staff training, and infection control. Accreditation ensures that hospitals maintain high standards consistently, leading to safer, more efficient, and patient-centered care.
Professor Talakvadze explains:
“Accreditation is not just a checklist of requirements; it’s about embedding a culture of safety and quality into every part of the healthcare system. When hospitals meet international standards, patients can trust that they are receiving the highest quality of care possible.”
The Importance of Patient Safety
Patient safety is the foundation of high-quality healthcare. Without safe care, patients face increased risks of harm, complications, and even death. Globally, unsafe care remains a significant problem, with millions of people harmed annually due to medical errors. In Georgia, improving patient safety is critical as the healthcare system evolves to meet international standards.
Accredited hospitals are required to implement rigorous patient safety protocols, which are regularly monitored and updated. These include systems for reducing medical errors, preventing hospital-acquired infections, and ensuring that care is delivered according to best practices. By adhering to these standards, hospitals can prevent avoidable harm and deliver better outcomes for patients.
“Patient safety is not negotiable,” says Mr. Ioseb Demetrashvili, Chair of the Patient Council Secretariat at PHIG. “Accreditation ensures that hospitals put the safety and well-being of their patients above all else, following globally recognized guidelines.”
The Role of PHIG and Patient Councils in Promoting Safety and Accreditation
The Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG) plays a pivotal role in promoting both patient safety and healthcare accreditation across the country. One of its key initiatives is the establishment of patient councils in hospitals. These councils act as a bridge between patients and healthcare providers, allowing for open communication about care quality, safety issues, and patient experiences. PHIG ensures that patient councils operate independently, providing logistical support, training, and guidance.
Mr. Demetrashvili emphasizes that:
“Patient councils are essential in holding hospitals accountable for maintaining high standards of care. When patients and families are involved in the decision-making process, it directly improves patient safety and overall care quality.”
More than 20 hospitals in Georgia have embraced patient councils, marking a significant shift toward greater transparency and patient-centered care. This model is further enhanced by the push for international accreditation, ensuring that hospitals not only listen to patient concerns but also implement the necessary changes to meet global safety and quality standards.
The Role of International Accreditation in Georgia’s Healthcare System
Achieving accreditation from reputable international bodies like JCI, AC, and ACHS demonstrates a hospital’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care. These bodies assess hospitals on a wide range of factors, including patient care, staff competence, and facility safety. Accredited hospitals are regularly evaluated to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to safety protocols.
Professor Tamar Talakvadze, as the local advisor for Accreditation Canada, works closely with hospitals in Georgia to help them meet these rigorous standards. She emphasizes that accreditation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of improvement. “Hospitals must continually strive to improve their services, not just to meet the standards but to exceed them. Accreditation helps create a culture of continuous quality improvement,” she explains.
How Accreditation Improves Patient Safety
One of the primary benefits of international accreditation is its focus on patient safety. Hospitals that are accredited must follow strict safety protocols, which are designed to minimize risks and improve outcomes. These protocols include measures to prevent medical errors, improve communication between healthcare teams, and ensure that patients receive the right treatment at the right time.
Accredited hospitals also have robust systems in place for handling medical errors when they occur, ensuring that lessons are learned and improvements are made. This commitment to transparency and accountability is crucial for building patient trust and ensuring that care is delivered safely.
Professor Giorgi Pkhakadze, Founder and Chair of PHIG, echoes this sentiment: “Accreditation is not just about meeting standards—it’s about saving lives. When hospitals are accredited, they are held to the highest levels of accountability, which directly improves patient safety and care quality.”
Moving Forward: A Focus on Quality and Safety in Georgian Healthcare
As Georgia continues its journey toward improving healthcare quality, the importance of patient safety and international accreditation cannot be overstated. With support from PHIG, more hospitals are adopting patient-centered care models and seeking accreditation from respected global bodies. These efforts are transforming the healthcare landscape, ensuring that Georgian hospitals provide care that meets international standards.
With the involvement of experts like Professor Tamar Talakvadze and PHIG’s strong focus on patient safety and quality improvement, Georgia is well-positioned to continue advancing its healthcare system. As more hospitals achieve accreditation and patient councils grow in influence, the future of healthcare in Georgia will be one where safety, quality, and patient-centered care are the norm.
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