What does the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation mean?

JCI is an international accreditation standard for healthcare organizations. Preparation for accreditation takes at least 2 years. During this period, the organization shall systematically prepare itself, both for the development and implementation of new policies, procedures and practices required to comply with the requirements of the accreditation standard. Once the preparation has been completed, a team of expert surveyors (physicians, nurses and healthcare administrators) of the Joint Commission International assesses on-site the compliance of the organization with JCI standards that include a wide range of areas, including the International Patient Safety Goals, patient assessment and care, anesthesia and surgical care, medication management, quality improvement, infection prevention and control, governance and leadership, facility management, staff qualifications and education, and information management. Through interviews with patients, staff, and leadership, along with on archive and medical records reviews, surveyors evaluate each organization's activity and assess the effectiveness of the quality and safety program and its continued implementation.

What is the Gold Seal of Approval?

Hospitals that earn and maintain the JCI accreditation receive the Gold Seal of Approval®, a symbol of quality that reflects the organization’s commitment to provide the safest and most effective treatment to patients.

How long does JCI accreditation last?

JCI accreditation is valid for a period of three years. If a hospital wishes pursue reaccreditation at the end of that period, it must go through the on-site survey process again. Every three years, as part of reaccreditation, hospitals are faced with the challenge of complying to new or stricter standards requirements.

Why is this accreditation important?

JCI accreditation demonstrates to all patients and their families, visitors and staff, that the healthcare organization is committed to constantly improve quality and safety, based on internationally recognized standards that view the patient as the absolute priority.

What are the main benefits of JCI accreditation?

• Improving of patients confidence in an organization that prioritizes both patient safety and quality of care provided.
• Active involvement of patients and their families as partners in the process of care, with respect for their rights, demonstrating the organization's willingness to listen and meet their needs.
• Full compliance with the International Patient Safety Goals set by the JCI and the World Health Organization each year.
• Adoption of international clinical practice protocols and continuous integration of new ones for all healthcare services.
• Providing a safe and effective work healthcare environment that contributes to employee satisfaction, including their evolution, helping to improve hospital operation and risk management.
• Establishment of a culture open to ongoing learning and training and early reporting of adverse events, by applying specific training practices, as well as promoting the creativity skills of staff groups.
• Understanding of the organization on how to continually improve clinical care processes and measure its results, using comparable indicators.
• JCI accreditation is a requirement for a healthcare organization, to enter the medical tourism anywhere in the world.

What is Joint Commission International?

Joint Commission International (JCI) was established in 1997 as a division of Joint Commission Resources, Inc. (JCR), a wholly controlled, not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission. Through international accreditation, consultation, publications and education programs, JCI extends The Joint Commission’s mission worldwide by helping to improve the quality of patient care.  JCI assists international health care organizations, public health agencies, health ministries and others in more than 100 countries.

How can I find out more about JCI accreditation?

For more information on Joint Commission International accreditation visit: www.jointcommissioninternational.org