An exploratory study on the benefits of quality accreditation: financial impact and chief executive officer perspectives

Abstract

Little systematic evidence exists in published literature about the net financial impact of the process of quality accreditation on hospitals that have undergone the process. This exploratory study aims to explore the financial impact of undergoing National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Health Care Providers (NABH) accreditation in Indian hospitals, based on chief executive officers (CEOs’) perspectives and the financial outcomes perceived by them. The attempt has been to provide a qualitative assessment of the costs and benefits of NABH accreditation on the financial health of the organization. As there were no leading studies to reference that could emulate the data available in the Indian context, the study team developed a set of financial indicators that could be collected from NABH-accredited hospitals. A total of 14 hospitals in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Surat, and Chennai were included in the study. The CEOs of participating hospitals perceived that the NABH accreditation has been beneficial to their organization and that the overall quality of care for patients within their organizations has improved. In addition, they also confirmed improved awareness of statutory compliances, and of staff responses to emergencies, such as fire and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and that data and evidencebased decision-making have helped in managing the facility better. The study suggests that the delivery of health care was positively influenced by NABH accreditation. The exploratory study also highlights the factors that may contribute to positive financial outcomes for hospitals. Specifically in terms of financial outcomes, the study has found that the income per used bed shows an increasing trend after the accreditation period. This may suggest mediumto long-term financial benefits to hospitals undergoing NABH accreditation