The Value of Accreditation
July 21, 2014Currently, Helen Hayes Hospital is waiting for its every three year on-site survey by The Joint Commission (TJC). This survey is an “unannounced” survey and helps to ensure that that the Hospital is always survey ready.
The stated mission of The Joint Commission is to “continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value”. In order to promote specific improvements in patient safety, The Joint Commission has established National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) to highlight problematic areas in healthcare and describe evidence based best practice. The National Patient Safety Goals have become a critical method by which The Joint Commission promotes and enforces major changes in patient safety.
As a proponent of being a quality institution, Helen Hayes Hospital actively pursues accreditation and enforces best practice by observing the National Patient Safety Goals.
The Joint Commission is just one of the accrediting bodies that surveys the Hospital. CARF (Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation is also on a three year cycle and looks at specific programs to ensure that they provide the highest quality of patient care. Helen Hayes Hospital is CARF accredited in 13 programs including Brain Injury; Spinal Cord Injury; Stroke; Amputation and many outpatient programs. CAP(College of American Pathology) is an accrediting body that conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the Laboratory so that the Hospital can maintain a consistently high level of service across the organization.
Helen Hayes Hospital, by subjecting itself to multiple accreditations by various organizations, ensures that it maintains quality services for the patients it serves.
-Bruce Marshall, DDS, MPH
Director of Medical & Professional Services
