Doctors perception towards implementation of hospital accreditation in state hospitals

The Ministry of Health had instructed all state hospitals to go for Accreditation. Accreditation is considered to be a more appropriate tool forquality assurance in a hospital setting than ISO 9000.The objective of this research was to study doctors perception towards the implementation of Accreditation in state hospital. Self-administered questionnaires were sent through mail to doctors in eight clinical departments of all state hospitals. From 832 questionnaires sent, 297 responded (36%),i.e. 84 specialists and 2/2 medical officers. The study showed that 69% doctors knew that their hospital was implementing Accreditation. There were more clinical specialist (9I%) who were involved in accreditation as compared to Medical Ojicers (73%). 83% of doctors believed that accreditation can assist in assuring quality in their hospital. Those who do not, thought that quality can be assured stajfing was adequate (67%) and accreditation does not assess patient care (33%). The study also showed that 7I% of doctors knew that their hospital was implementing MS ISO 9000. A 77% of doctors believed that ISO 9000 can assist in assuring quality in their hospital. Those who do not, thought that quality can onhi be assured Jstajfng was adequate (27%) and ISO 9000 was only meant for industry (8%). In conclusion, doctors believed that Accreditation and MS ISO 9000 can assist in assuring quality in their hospitals. Amongst, those who do not, majority thought that quality can only be assured staffing was adequate