ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Mansour V*, Haidar MA and Oleik A
Accreditation has become a significant feature in health care systems worldwide and a quality improvement tool that enhanced its standing in the health sector. It played a role in developing the quality of care and patient safety, nevertheless, the accreditation process implies an important financial burden on healthcare institutions. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of Lebanese accreditation on hospital profitability by analyzing costs of accreditation, its impact on staff using SEAM (Socio-Economic Approach of Management) approach, and its influence on patient satisfaction. This study was designed to be qualitative: the first part of the study is interventional. Interviews in a hospital in Lebanon were done with staff from all levels and departments. The second part is related to the comparison of financial indicators (return on investment and contribution margin per hour), number of patients, and their satisfaction rate before and after accreditation (2010-2012). The results presented a considerable financial weight for accreditation. Lebanese accreditation has led to a positive impact on hospital profitability through quality of care increasing patient satisfaction, leading to patient retention and acquisition. On the other hand, accreditation has also manifested a negative effect on the health of staff by stressing them out through the heavy workload.
Keywords: Accreditation; Hospital; Profitability; SEAM; Patient Safety; Patient Satisfaction
