Authors: Ahmed Mamdouh Amin Mohamed Hassan , Sarah Ahmed Ibrahim Ibrahim Sherif

Abstract

Background: Improving the quality of delivered care is essential. Following accreditation standards could help to improve the quality of delivered care and patient safety while also reducing the associated costs. However, there are inconsistent results on the impact of accreditation on the quality of care in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: To investigate the impact of accreditation on quality measures and cost savings.

Methods: The study followed a mixed-methods approach that collected both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected retrospectively and involved the initial costs, cost savings, and quality measures(infections, readmissions, and patient satisfaction). Qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus groups. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, while thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software.

Results:  The data showed that there was a statistically significant increase in patient satisfaction in accredited hospitals (85%) compared to non-accredited hospitals (70%) (P < 0.01). Readmission rates were significantly lower in accredited hospitals (10%) compared to non-accredited hospitals (20%) (p < 0.05). Hospital-acquired infections were significantly lower in accredited (5%) compared to non-accredited hospitals (12%) (p < 0.05). Also,  operational costs were significantly reduced by 8% following accreditation.

Conclusion: Our study showed that hospitals that accredited hospitals had significantly lower rates of infection and readmission and higher patient satisfaction scores compared to non-accredited hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Also, a statistically significant cost reduction was observed following the acquisition of the accreditation

Keywords: Hospital Accreditation ; Ǫuality of Care, Financial Sustainability, ; Cost Control