Does the cost of hospital accreditation boost patient outcomes?

A recent study says the time and resources invested in healthcare facility accreditation does not necessarily offer a return of better patient incomes, according to an article on the American Council on Science and Health website.

A new study published in BMJ explored whether accreditation is associated with better patient outcomes in U.S. hospitals. whether outcomes vary between those hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) compared to those accredited by independent organizations and how  patient experience differs between hospitals accredited by an accrediting organization as opposed to those undergoing a state survey, as well as those by TJC or an independent agency.

The study found that accreditation by independent organizations is not associated with lower mortality, and is only slightly associated with reduced readmission rates for 15 common medical conditions.

Also, the study said, patients choosing a healthcare facility accredited by TJC don't report perceiving any healthcare benefits over choosing a hospital accredited by another independent accrediting organization.

Read the article.