CHANGES IN THE EXTERNAL REVIEW OF HOSPITALS IN THE UNITED STATES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCH A REVIEW IN JAPAN

Abstract

[Objectives] This paper was designed to analyze the criticisms of US governmental organs to the Joint Commission and the countermeasures taken by the Joint Commission and to find suggestions useful for hospital accreditation in Japan.
[Methods] From written publications and other published information, the author summarized the criticisms from governmental organs and the essential points of reform in hospital accreditation and discussed the intentions of both sides and the correspondence between criticisms and reforms.
[Results] In the United States, criticisms of the Joint Commission made by governmental organs triggered exteriorization of discrepancies in view and contradictions between the US government and the Joint Commission about external review of hospitals, leading to modifications of the system and reforms in hospital accreditation programs.
[Conclusion] Suggestions for hospital accreditation in Japan should focus on the necessity for increasing the number of hospitals receiving hospital accreditation the importance of focusing on evaluation of healthcare quality level and continuous improvement, and the necessity of competitive environments.