-
Journal of Education and Health... 2023Higher education plays an important role in the development of countries in social, economic, cultural, and scientific aspects. Also, the field of healthcare is changing...
INTRODUCTION
Higher education plays an important role in the development of countries in social, economic, cultural, and scientific aspects. Also, the field of healthcare is changing rapidly, and to provide better care, health professional students need to be trained at a higher level. This situation has placed demands on academic and clinical settings responsible for training professional health students. The main objectives of this research project can be defined as 1 -to investigate important issues of accreditation and assessment process of health professional education worldwide and 2-to design and develop a uniform, transparent, and scientific accreditation framework for health professional programs in Iran.
METHODS AND MATERIAL
The research methodology for the design of a generic accreditation framework in health professional education is outlined by the following step-by-step (1 to 7) procedure according to the developmental research methodology and three phases considering analysis, development, and evaluation.
RESULTS
The findings of the analysis phase showed that there is no specific structure and process for accreditation in Iran compared to other countries. The three most common actions of the accreditation include the following: 1. self- assessment, 2. peer-review and site visits, and 3. evaluation and reports. A review of the relevant literature and websites indicate that various assessment frameworks have been developed regionally, as well as internationally, to accredit professional health programs. However, most of these frames seem to be non-uniform, too complex, and non-transparent. In addition to these results, three themes were extracted from the interview analysis, "accreditation barrier," "theoretical foundation of accreditation," and "specific structure and process of accreditation" which indicates the need for education at various levels of educational managers and faculty members. Therefore, these issues were taken into consideration in the design of the accreditation framework of health professional educational programs. After two stages of evaluation from the point of view of specialists and experts of the educational secretariats of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the final version of the program's accreditation framework and policy will be finalized.
CONCLUSION
In Iran, despite the challenges and valuable activities in different educational secretariats, there was no coherent process that can be considered accreditation. In this study, self-study evaluation guide, external evaluation, standard development, and ethical guide for the programs accreditation were developed. The results of this study can help the educational secretariats of the Health and Medical Education Ministry that is based on the documents developed and operationalize their accreditation process and structure.
PubMed: 38023086
DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_326_23 -
The International Journal of Health... Mar 2024Recent years have had repeated public health emergencies where communities are to take the lead in response. Yet official data systems rarely can support community...
CONTEXT
Recent years have had repeated public health emergencies where communities are to take the lead in response. Yet official data systems rarely can support community decision-making with real or near-real time, localised data. This disconnect discourages evidence-based decision-making based on community need, leading instead to highly contested, and often erratic decisions.
OBJECTIVE
Develop a plan for public health and communities together to develop, understand and use real (or near real) time data during a public health emergency, including roles and activities for public health, community decision-makers and community members. Focus is primarily on communities without access to 'in-house' dedicated data providers.
DESIGN
Using 'crisis standards of care' and the National Planning Frameworks, a set of actions are proposed to build the data infrastructure for public health disaster response, focused on local data needs.
RESULTS
The proposed actions are organised within the 'crisis standards of care' five key elements framework. These actions are then connected to the Public Health Accreditations Board (PHAB) domains and the public health professionals core competencies demonstrating where these proposed actions fit in the services and skills of public health organizations and professionals. Many of the proposed actions would be applicable to larger more resourced communities and public health disaster responses.
CONCLUSIONS
Forward planning, practicing and discussions based in the ''crisis standards of care'' model and 'The National Planning Frameworks' could help communities build the relationships needed to access data for decision-making in the moment. Further, using the ''crisis standards of care'' model would allow for development of a process and framework for rapidly shifting needs and resource access as is seen in emergencies. Model would also increase transparency and community focus, assisting decision-makers in advocating and implementing the response in timely and equitable manner which would increase positive outcomes and positively engage the community.
Topics: Humans; Emergencies; Accreditation; Disasters; Public Health
PubMed: 37924521
DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3723 -
Forensic Science International May 2024An international survey was conducted on the benefits and limitations of accreditation to ISO17025 in forensic science, and how quality management could be improved to...
An international survey was conducted on the benefits and limitations of accreditation to ISO17025 in forensic science, and how quality management could be improved to reflect the complexities of the end-to-end process. The survey was in response to growing concern within the forensic science community that the standard ISO17025 (and ISO17020), which is the backbone of forensic science accreditation, does not have sufficient depth and reach to properly address the quality of both the inputs (crime scene traces) and outputs (e.g., opinions in a report) of forensic science. The survey was developed around three themes: (1) fitness for purpose, (2) competences and (3) education & training. It targeted directors and senior managers, including quality managers, of forensic science laboratories/facilities. The survey was developed by the research team and disseminated with the cooperation of the International Forensic Strategic Alliance (IFSA) and six regional Networks: the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), the European Network of Forensic Science institutes (ENFSI), the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee (ANZFEC) (formerly SMANZFL), Acadamia Iberoamericana de Criminalistica Estudios Forenses (AICEF), Asian Forensic Sciences Network (AFSN) and Southern Africa Regional Forensic Science Network (SARFS). What emerged for each of the three themes of the survey are areas of concern where the forensic science community should reconsider its approach to quality management if it is to have continuing value and relevance into the future. The results are evaluated and discussed. Briefly, the results include evidence of a lack of fitness for purpose of ISO17025 as a standard for the forensic science continuum, a lack of agreement on what forensic science is and poor levels of recognition of crime scene investigation, many competences, particularly cognitive competences, are not identified, monitored or assessed and the incentive to gain accreditation and maintain continuous improvement is intrinsic rather than customer driven.
Topics: Humans; Forensic Sciences; Accreditation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Professional Competence; Laboratories; Quality Control
PubMed: 37479548
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111779 -
American Journal of Pharmaceutical... Nov 2023In November 2021, the Oath of a Pharmacist was updated to include the following statement, "I will promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice to...
In November 2021, the Oath of a Pharmacist was updated to include the following statement, "I will promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice to advance health equity." These words underscore the responsibility of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education to reconsider how diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism are integrated within curricula and programmatic processes. To fully embrace the new Oath, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and PharmD programs should consider the incorporation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism concepts utilizing the recommendations of external expert bodies with overlapping and complementary frameworks. The intent is not to add more to the accreditation standards or curricula, but rather to intentionally integrate inclusive approaches into programmatic processes and delivery. This can be accomplished through the alignment of our accreditation standards, PharmD programs, and the Oath that is the foundation of the pharmacy profession.
Topics: Humans; Education, Pharmacy; Curriculum; Accreditation; Pharmacy
PubMed: 37399899
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100565 -
Journal of Advanced Nursing Mar 2024To explore the published evidence describing the impact of short-notice accreditation assessments on hospitals' patient safety and quality culture. (Review)
Review
Impact of short-notice accreditation assessments on hospitals' patient safety and quality culture-A scoping review: A scoping review of the current literature to understand the impact of short-notice accreditation processes on health service organizations patient safety and quality culture.
AIM
To explore the published evidence describing the impact of short-notice accreditation assessments on hospitals' patient safety and quality culture.
DESIGN
Arksey and O'Malley (2005)'s scoping study framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).
METHODS
A scoping review was conducted to identify papers that provided an evaluation of short-notice accreditation processes. All reviewers independently reviewed included papers and thematic analysis methods were used to understand the data.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases were searched to identify papers published after 2000.
RESULTS
Totally, 3317 records were initially identified with 64 full-text studies screened by the reviewers. Five studies were deemed to meet this scoping review's inclusion criteria. All five studies reported variable evidence on the validity of health service or hospital accreditation processes and only three considered the concept of patient safety and quality culture in the context of accreditation. None of the five included studies report the impact of a short-notice accreditation process on a hospital's patient safety and quality culture.
CONCLUSIONS
Limited evidence exists to report on the effectiveness of hospital short-notice accreditation models. No study has been undertaken to understand the impact of short-notice accreditation on patient safety and quality cultures within hospital settings.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE
Understanding this topic will support improved hospital quality, safety, policy, and governance.
IMPACT
To provide an understanding of the current knowledge base of short-notice accreditation models and its impact on hospital patient safety and quality culture.
REPORTING METHODS
PRISMA reporting guidelines have been adhered to.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
No patient or public contribution.
PubMed: 38553879
DOI: 10.1111/jan.16169 -
Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and...
Topics: Humans; United States; Education, Professional; Accreditation
PubMed: 38215302
DOI: 10.1097/WON.0000000000001056 -
Design, delivery and effectiveness of health practitioner regulation systems: an integrative review.Human Resources For Health Sep 2023Health practitioner regulation (HPR) systems are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in supporting health workforce availability, accessibility,...
BACKGROUND
Health practitioner regulation (HPR) systems are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in supporting health workforce availability, accessibility, quality, and sustainability, while promoting patient safety. This review aimed to identify evidence on the design, delivery and effectiveness of HPR to inform policy decisions.
METHODS
We conducted an integrative analysis of literature published between 2010 and 2021. Fourteen databases were systematically searched, with data extracted and synthesized based on a modified Donabedian framework.
FINDINGS
This large-scale review synthesized evidence from a range of academic (n = 410) and grey literature (n = 426) relevant to HPR. We identified key themes and findings for a series of HPR topics organized according to our structures-processes-outcomes conceptual framework. Governance reforms in HPR are shifting towards multi-profession regulators, enhanced accountability, and risk-based approaches; however, comparisons between HPR models were complicated by a lack of a standardized HPR typology. HPR can support government workforce strategies, despite persisting challenges in cross-border recognition of qualifications and portability of registration. Scope of practice reform adapted to modern health systems can improve access and quality. Alternatives to statutory registration for lower-risk health occupations can improve services and protect the public, while standardized evaluation frameworks can aid regulatory strengthening. Knowledge gaps remain around the outcomes and effectiveness of HPR processes, including continuing professional development models, national licensing examinations, accreditation of health practitioner education programs, mandatory reporting obligations, remediation programs, and statutory registration of traditional and complementary medicine practitioners.
CONCLUSION
We identified key themes, issues, and evidence gaps valuable for governments, regulators, and health system leaders. We also identified evidence base limitations that warrant caution when interpreting and generalizing the results across jurisdictions and professions. Themes and findings reflect interests and concerns in high-income Anglophone countries where most literature originated. Most studies were descriptive, resulting in a low certainty of evidence. To inform regulatory design and reform, research funders and governments should prioritize evidence on regulatory outcomes, including innovative approaches we identified in our review. Additionally, a systematic approach is needed to track and evaluate the impact of regulatory interventions and innovations on achieving health workforce and health systems goals.
Topics: Humans; Government Programs; Government; Accreditation; Databases, Factual; Health Education
PubMed: 37667368
DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00848-y -
Military Medicine Jul 2023The 2020 Commission on Cancer accreditation standards 5.7 and 5.8 address total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer and lymph node sampling for lung cancer. The...
INTRODUCTION
The 2020 Commission on Cancer accreditation standards 5.7 and 5.8 address total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer and lymph node sampling for lung cancer. The purpose of this review was to assess our institution's compliance with these operative standards, which will be required in 2022 and 2023, and provide recommendations to other military training facilities seeking to comply with these standards.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A 2018-2020 single institution chart review was performed of operative and pathology reports. Identified deficits were addressed in meetings with colorectal and thoracic surgery leadership, and cases were followed to reassess compliance.
RESULTS
A total of 12 rectal and 48 lung cancer cases met the inclusion criteria and were examined. Pre-intervention compliance for standards 5.7 and 5.8 was 58% and 35%, respectively, because of inadequate synoptic reporting and lymph node sampling. After intervention, compliance was 100%.
CONCLUSIONS
Our institution requires changes to comply with new standards, including in areas of documentation and systematic pulmonary lymph node sampling. We provide lessons learned from our own institutional experience, including practical tips and recommendations to achieve compliance. All military training facilities performing lung and rectal oncologic resections should conduct an internal review of applicable cases in preparation for upcoming American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer site visits.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Rectal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Accreditation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36111895
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac274 -
Family Medicine Feb 2024Continuity of care has been an identifying characteristic of family medicine since its inception and is an essential ingredient for high-functioning health care teams.... (Review)
Review
Continuity of care has been an identifying characteristic of family medicine since its inception and is an essential ingredient for high-functioning health care teams. Many benefits, including the quadruple aim of enhancing patient experience, improving population health, reducing costs, and improving care team well-being, are ascribed to continuity of care. In 2023, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) added two new continuity requirements-annual patient-sided continuity and annual resident-sided continuity-in family medicine training programs. This article reviews continuity of care as it applies to family medicine training programs. We discuss the various types of continuity and issues surrounding the measurement of continuity. A generally agreed upon definition of patient-sided and resident-sided continuity is presented to allow programs to begin to collect the necessary data. Especially within resident training programs, intricacies associated with maintaining continuity of care, such as empanelment, resident turnover, and scheduling, are discussed. The importance of right-sizing resident panels is highlighted, and a mechanism for accomplishing this is presented. The recent ACGME requirements represent a cultural shift from measuring resident experience based on volume to measuring resident continuity. This cultural shift forces family medicine training programs to adapt their various systems, policies, and procedures to emphasize continuity. We hope this manuscript's review of several facets of contuinuity, some unique to training programs, helps programs ensure compliance with the ACGME requirements.
Topics: Humans; Internship and Residency; Family Practice; Education, Medical, Graduate; Continuity of Patient Care; Accreditation
PubMed: 38055847
DOI: 10.22454/FamMed.2023.913197 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2023accreditation is the most effective approach to ensure the quality of services. Laboratory performance can be evaluated using the World Health Organization (WHO)-SLIPTA...
Accreditation of a molecular HIV diagnostic laboratory following the Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA)-Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) approach in Kenya: an implementation science study.
INTRODUCTION
accreditation is the most effective approach to ensure the quality of services. Laboratory performance can be evaluated using the World Health Organization (WHO)-SLIPTA checklist, which checks a laboratory´s compliance with ISO 15189 on a five-star score scale and improved using the SLMTA approach. Compliance is assessed by an external body and can result in accreditation. In this paper, we describe the steps taken by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) HIV Laboratory, Alupe, a resource-limited public entity, towards accreditation, and discuss the lessons learned.
METHODS
the laboratory adopted a SLMTA-SLIPTA approach that included targeted mentorship, on-site workshops, and training. Mentorship-based interventions were used to establish a robust quality management system. Targeted mentorship, on-site workshops, and training were conducted between September 2015 and July 2016. Audits used the SLIPTA checklist to detect gaps in 12 quality system essentials. Performance indicators including turnaround time, external quality assurance, sample rejection rates, and corrective actions were tracked. An external assessment by the national accreditation body was conducted between September 2016 and November 2016.
RESULTS
training and mentorship-based interventions were successfully conducted. Quality management systems aligned with ISO 15189 were established. Baseline, midterm, and exit audits yielded scores of 47%, 75%, and 94% respectively. Early infant diagnosis external quality assurance scores were 100% in 2014-2016, while average viral load scores were at 60%, 70% and 90% during the same period. Turnaround time from September 2015 surpassed the 80% target. Accreditation was awarded in March 2017.
CONCLUSION
the SLMTA-SLIPTA approach is suitable for quality improvement in resource-limited laboratories.
Topics: Humans; Laboratories; Quality Control; Kenya; Quality Improvement; Implementation Science; Accreditation; HIV Infections
PubMed: 38223876
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.60.39549