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International Standards for Hospitals

In order to ensure the safety of patients and to better serve people the world over, the Joint Commission International (JCI) has created an accreditation standard to help improve the running of hospitals. Since nations have access to different technologies and resources, these standards are partially philosophical and aimed towards creating the best possible environment for patients and staff. Different cultures and national laws convert these standards into guidelines in some instances, but are used as a benchmark regardless.

  1. Patient Care

    • The rights of patients should be respected and protected at any hospital around the world. Advancement in procedures and technologies shouldn't keep patients from becoming involved in their own care so the JCI standards require that hospital staff entering into clear and understandable communication with patients. This two-way communication leads to higher levels of the patient care. Including medical professionals and hospitals as a part of the decision-making body of a nation's health care system helps to promote better patient care since it's the doctor's that better understand the needs of their patients. Medical professionals' ability to help set the standards of practice and policy within their country assures that the specific needs of that nation's inhabitants will be addressed.

    Education

    • Hospitals that meet international standards are required to provide professional development and continued education for their staffs. As technology advances, new medicines and new procedures becomes available. Hospitals that meet the JCI standards do so in part because they continuously update their staff's knowledge of current medical procedures. While not every nation and every hospital has access to the newest equipment and medicines, those that do should educate their staff on the advantages of these new procedures. Updating the knowledge of hospitals' governing bodies and staff increases the pool of those able to suggest ways of increasing the efficiency while reducing the operation costs of hospitals. This is especially important in countries that have minimal funds to spend on hospital improvements.

    Medical Facilities & Staff

    • A safe and secure environment is required for all hospitals that operate by international standards. Creating a safe environment is also intended to improve the surrounding community's confidence in the facility and its staff. As a physical entity, medical facilities are required to prevent and control infections to the best of their abilities. International standards call for a clear line of authority and accountability within a hospital's staff. This standard is the same for both medical and non-medical personnel and helps promote a satisfactory work environment.

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