Regulatory agency or accrediting body

Select and evaluate a regulatory agency or accrediting body.

Discuss the history of the agency or body.

Explain the reason for its existence.

Summarize the agency's public reporting of quality indicators:

· Frequency

· Where they are reported

· Why public reporting of these metrics is important

· Explain how the agency or body operates:

· Current function

· Organizational structure

· Governance

Analyze the impact the agency or body has on quality at each level of healthcare:

· Healthcare organizations

· Nursing practice

· Patient care

Full Answer Section

       

Reason for Existence

The Joint Commission was created to address the need for a standardized approach to quality improvement in healthcare. Prior to its founding, there was no consistent way to measure or improve the quality of care provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The Joint Commission was established to provide a voluntary accreditation process that would help hospitals and other healthcare facilities to improve their quality of care and patient safety.  

Public Reporting of Quality Indicators

The Joint Commission reports quality indicators on its website, https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/. These indicators include data on patient safety, healthcare-associated infections, and other important quality measures. The data is reported annually and is intended to help consumers make informed decisions about their healthcare.  

Operation

The Joint Commission is a private, non-profit organization that is governed by a Board of Commissioners. The Board is composed of representatives from the healthcare community, the public, and the business community. The Joint Commission has a staff of approximately 2,000 employees who are responsible for conducting surveys, developing standards, and providing educational programs.  

Impact on Quality

The Joint Commission has had a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in the United States. Studies have shown that hospitals that are accredited by the Joint Commission have lower rates of patient mortality and complications. The Joint Commission has also been credited with helping to reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections.  

Impact on Healthcare Organizations

The Joint Commission's standards and accreditation process have helped to improve the quality of care provided by healthcare organizations. The Joint Commission's standards are based on the best available evidence and are designed to help hospitals and other healthcare facilities to improve their performance in a number of key areas, including patient safety, infection control, and medication management.  

Impact on Nursing Practice

The Joint Commission's standards have also had a positive impact on nursing practice. The Joint Commission's standards require that hospitals have adequate staffing levels and that nurses have the education and training they need to provide safe and effective care. The Joint Commission has also developed a number of tools and resources to help nurses improve their practice.  

Impact on Patient Care

The Joint Commission's work has ultimately led to improved patient care. By helping hospitals and other healthcare facilities to improve their quality of care, the Joint Commission has helped to reduce the number of medical errors and improve patient safety. The Joint Commission has also helped to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, which can lead to better health outcomes.  

In conclusion, the Joint Commission is a valuable organization that has made a significant contribution to the improvement of healthcare quality in the United States. The Joint Commission's standards and accreditation process have helped to improve the quality of care provided by healthcare organizations, nursing practice, and patient care.

Sample Answer

       

The Joint Commission

History

The Joint Commission, formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), was founded in 1951 by six major healthcare organizations: the American College of Physicians, the American College of Surgeons, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association,

the American Public Health Association, and the Canadian Medical Association. It was created to establish and maintain standards for the operation of hospitals and other healthcare facilities.