The Benefits of Accreditation for Home Care Providers
Nena Hart 
Considering Accreditation and not sure if it's worth it?
The Benefits of Accreditation for Home Care Providers
Accreditation isn’t about jumping through even more regulatory hoops; it’s about your organization demonstrating its ability to meet and exceed the requirements and standards, exhibiting excellence. While requirements will change and standards are based on each accrediting body, the benefits of accreditation remain the same: establish your institution as one providing a greater level of patient care with high standards and performance levels. The benefits of accreditation also translate into practical, operational advantages.
Improves Patient Care and Outcomes
Accreditation requires that staff operate at a higher level of standards, which immediately results in better overall quality patient care. As processes are assessed during accreditation, it allows for the identification of discrepancies and helps ensure a standardization that demands consistent, quality care.
Increases Operational Efficiency and Processes
Accreditation can be used as a performance measurement, as it quickly identifies gaps, and areas of opportunity in practices and procedures. It will highlight areas of improvement, whether it be people, operational, or safety-related. Accreditation establishes a framework to improve standards through change. It will also identify areas that are working well, and that help to improve the overall standard of care in a facility.
Reduce Liability Costs
Preparing for accreditation lets facilities take a proactive approach to their operational performance. By identifying gaps in compliance, safety, or operational standards, the management of these risks results in safer practices, with fewer mistakes. Patient safety interventions reduce regular liability costs and may garner a reduced insurance premium offered to accredited facilities.
Create a Safety Culture
The benefits of a well-known safety culture beneficially affect internal and external stakeholders. Accreditation gives the local community increased confidence in your facility as patients and their families know they are receiving quality care. They understand that you have undergone a voluntary process to ensure that your facility is operating at the highest level possible. Accreditation also creates an internal culture that demands adherence to safety practices. Employees are more likely to engage in a safety culture when it is established in a consistent, positive way.
Improves Staff Retention
Accreditation requires clear standards of care and lets each team member understand what role they play in patient care. This transparency helps to foster buy-in from individuals and creates a better working environment for all. It allows for collaborative teamwork as they work towards common goals. Clear expectations and definite standards eliminate uncertainty and create an empowered environment for all staff.
Market Recognition: Last And Definitely Not Least
The best part of accreditation is creating consumer confidence and diversifying your agency in your community and your market. Accreditation reassures the community and those you serve that your operations are compliant with regulations and that your organization cares about the quality of care and is striving for excellence.
Accreditation is a demanding process that requires your agency or facility and its practices to be held to a higher standard. It requires dedication and consistent adherence to standards while also identifying areas of improvement and opportunity. Accreditation is well worth the time, money, and energy that is required to obtain it. It elevates your facility to a higher level in the eyes of the community, patients, and staff while optimizing your patient care, financials, and operations.
If you're considering becoming accredited or want to switch accrediting bodies and need help and guidance through the process, we'd love to support you. Set up a call where we can talk more about your vision for your agency.
Categories: : Leadership, Operational Excellence, Staffing Stability