Background
To enhance continual improvement of hospital quality and safety, China has launched a Nation-wide Hospital Accreditation System (CN3A) since 1989, those accredited as 3A are top hospitals with excellent quality and facilities. While this attributes to the remarkable improvement in healthcare outcome, it is not internationally recognized. The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, with unique experience in attaining accreditation by both the ACHS and CN3A Systems, was deeply impressed by the comprehensive and meticulous details of the latter. Hence, we initiated the attempt to attain certification of the CN3A System by the International Society for Quality Health Care (ISQua, a unique organization for certification of Hospital Accreditation System).
Methodology for Development
The Shenzhen Hospital Accreditation Research Center (SHARC) was established to accomplish this mission. A team of ISQua, ACHS and CN3A leading surveyors was engaged to conduct an extensive review of our current System and international standards. Basing on the CN3A Standard (2020 Version), key requirements regarding comprehensive risk management, occupational health, underprivileged cohorts, and end-of-life care were added to comply with ISQua criteria.
Results and Conclusion
The International Hospital Quality Accreditation System (SHARC-IHQAS 2021 Version) passed the assessment by ISQua surveyors with an excellent 97% score. The Standard was officially certified by ISQua in February 2022 and recognized by National Health Commission. This is an important milestone as China now has an internationally recognized System that is based on her own culture, practice and legal requirements. This is an assurance that the quality standard of hospitals certified by this System reach international standards. Not only will this set the standards for hospitals in China (including Hong Kong and Macau), but this experience can be extended to other countries along the One Belt One Road to promote continual improvement in quality and safety.
