The Survey of Effective Factors on Hospital Accreditation Scoring Method in Iran

Accreditation is a comprehensive and supportive model for assessing hospital performance. The present study aimed to assess the methodology of scoring hospital accreditation standards in Iran.
This research is a qualitative study in 2017. The main scope was to interview the experts in the area of policy and accreditation of hospitals in Iran. Accordingly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 experts and hospital accreditation assessors. A framework analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.
In this study, six subjects were identified as the key factors influencing the hospital accreditation method. Standards Classification, Scoring, Weighting, Overall Score Ranking, Role of Assessors, Evaluation Method. In the current method, the overall score did not determine the difference between hospitals. Weighting was not clearly specified. The executive steps which were guidelines of implementation were scored. The decision making methods of the assessors were not the same, and the assessments were mandatory and not carried out by an independent organization.
In the area of classification of standards and the method of scoring and weighting in the current accreditation evaluation, there needs to be changes. Required measurable elements in the accreditation standards will be eliminated. The precondition for entering the accreditation process will be to obtain the necessary permits before accreditation. It is suggested that the Likert scale be used for scoring. It’s recommended that the weight of patient safety standards must be considered more.