# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a “means to an end, or it an end in itself”?Personally, I believe that the accreditation is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. To achieve the goal of meeting the requirement against the standards, ongoing effort and contributes need to applied on day to day practices not only during accreditation periods. During accreditation processes, self-assessment is initiated to ensure organization’s practices are safe and at a high level of quality, that can be utilized as a tool in the long run. Peer-review identifies the gap between desired performance and actual performance that raise our awareness of what can be done in a better way. Accreditation is not “one solution for all problems”, it is a tool healthcare organizations can be used to improve their practice and performance. Yana Wu

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a “means to an end, or it an end in itself”?Personally, I believe that the accreditation is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. To achieve the goal of meeting the requirement against the standards, ongoing effort and contributes need to applied on day to day practices not only during accreditation periods. During accreditation processes, self-assessment is initiated to ensure organization’s practices are safe and at a high level of quality, that can be utilized as a tool in the long run. Peer-review identifies the gap between desired performance and actual performance that raise our awareness of what can be done in a better way. Accreditation is not “one solution for all problems”, it is a tool healthcare organizations can be used to improve their practice and performance. Yana Wu

# data[].attributes.body
Is accreditation a “means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself?”

As I tried to find the answer to this question, I could not help but think that neither is true. Accreditation has no end. In a field where best practice is constantly changing with advancements in technology and continued research, I do not believe that we can ever say that we have reached “the end”. As practices in health evolve, so too do the standards that we aspire too.

As I currently work in an organisation that takes great pride in excellence, we recently passed accreditation with an extraordinary number of “met with merit” ratings (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2012, p.5). Although we have been recognised as having a robust quality program and achieving accreditation, our endeavours for excellence continue. A system that works now, may not work for tomorrow.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. National Safety and Quality

Health Service Standards. (2012).

# data[].attributes.headline
Accreditation is a means to an end…..  Accreditation is an opportunity for (ongoing) transformation that can be achieved together as a common goal.  As Deming would say “the transformation is everyone’s job”. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Accreditation is a means to an end…..  Accreditation is an opportunity for (ongoing) transformation that can be achieved together as a common goal.  As Deming would say “the transformation is everyone’s job”. 

# data[].attributes.body
Bek Anderson

# data[].attributes.body
I think  accreditation should be a surprise visit. As you mentioned, accreditation should be a continuous quality improvement embedded in the workplace and should not be a stressful situation if everyone's goal is high-quality patient care.
Regards,
Judith

# data[].attributes.body
According to Cambridge English Dictionary, accreditation is "something that you do to help you achieve something else." It is the formal declaration by a designated authority that an organisation, service or individual has demonstrated competency, authority or credibility to meet a predetermined set of  standards (Sollecito and Johnson, 2013).

Being in the nursing profession for over 20 years, I think accreditation is an individual responsibility to self and others. I believe that we are accountable for our own action and therefore we do not need anyone to assess and evaluate our competency and credibility in order to meet a certain standard.
Judith

# data[].attributes.headline
Accreditation should be a means to an end.

# data[].attributes.subject
Accreditation should be a means to an end.

# data[].attributes.body
When I was working in a large hospital in Melbourne, I experienced accreditation as both a registered nurse on the floor and as a manager. The difference in exposure I witnessed was incredibly between the two positions. I believe the level of information I received as a manager was beneficial, as I was able to have clear thoughts as to what we did in our ward that supported the national standards. The standards in our opinion were what we focused on to help improve the quality of care our patients received. In this respect, accreditation should be a means to an end, as these should be embedded in our practice, striving to be the best we can be.

I also believe that a surprise element would be of benefit, as the organisation would not have time to create short lived change, therefore the accredit ors would have a true view of what happens at the organisation. It appears currently that when accreditation is over, normal practice takes over and the standards are no longer the main focus of the organisation.

Katie

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation and end in itself

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation and end in itself

# data[].attributes.body
My personal experience with accreditation process lead me to an opinion that it means to an end.
Accreditation is a process where the services are required to meet with the standards of the aged care and ensure that they provide the highest quality of care to the elderly. If it was not for the accreditation standards to be met, the services will not take necessary measures to provide the quality care to the older people.
We have our accreditation coming up end of the year.
We are encouraging all staff to complete their mandatory education prior to the due date.
The managers are targeting the areas of the improvement and focusing on the standards that were not met on the surprise visit.
I believe accreditation should not be a fear among everyone but the work should reflect the standards that are met daily-not only the year the accreditation is announced.
In that way we can maintain the quality of the life of our older people and give them a reason to smile.
Regards,
Neelam Pandit

# data[].attributes.headline
In my experience, accreditation is definitely a means to an end, if taken seriously and embedded into the culture of an organisation. The end is always better quality care, based on evidence and community expectations.I can give the example of the less commonly known accreditation process known as Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) Accreditation. This is a WHO/UNICEF global initiative concerned with practices and policies in maternity healthcare settings which are known to improve breastfeeding outcomes for newborn babies and their mothers. BFHI accreditation is based on the standards known as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Mothers who give birth in BFHI accredited facilities generally have higher rates of breastfeeding initiation and longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Thus, the ‘end’ product of improving breastfeeding outcomes is directly influenced by the ‘means’ of BFHI assessment and accreditation.Health facilities with maternity services can voluntarily adopt the Ten Steps in their units without undergoing formal assessment, however I feel that the Ten Steps are more likely to be effectively and thoroughly implemented if facilities undergo a formal, regular and rigorous third party assessment and accreditation process. Otherwise, when human and financial resources are tight, quality activities which may be seen to be optional rather than mandatory are less likely to be prioritised. 

# data[].attributes.subject
In my experience, accreditation is definitely a means to an end, if taken seriously and embedded into the culture of an organisation. The end is always better quality care, based on evidence and community expectations.I can give the example of the less commonly known accreditation process known as Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) Accreditation. This is a WHO/UNICEF global initiative concerned with practices and policies in maternity healthcare settings which are known to improve breastfeeding outcomes for newborn babies and their mothers. BFHI accreditation is based on the standards known as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Mothers who give birth in BFHI accredited facilities generally have higher rates of breastfeeding initiation and longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Thus, the ‘end’ product of improving breastfeeding outcomes is directly influenced by the ‘means’ of BFHI assessment and accreditation.Health facilities with maternity services can voluntarily adopt the Ten Steps in their units without undergoing formal assessment, however I feel that the Ten Steps are more likely to be effectively and thoroughly implemented if facilities undergo a formal, regular and rigorous third party assessment and accreditation process. Otherwise, when human and financial resources are tight, quality activities which may be seen to be optional rather than mandatory are less likely to be prioritised. 

# data[].attributes.body
Judy Russell

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"?

# data[].attributes.body
I believe it is seen to be both. I think it depends on your level of experience as a practitioner on how you view accreditation. To an RN who comes to work and goes home at the end of their shift, not engaging in the broader, organisation wide goals represented by accreditation, it may appear that it is the means to an end, a period of time every four years where we must tick all the boxes and dot all the i's so accreditation can be passed. It is a time to be feared in case we fail. It is a time to hide in case the accreditors ask a question I don’t know the answer to…. To a CN or a NUM it may be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate all they have accomplished - how far they have come since last accreditation. I think it depends on exposure to the goals of the organisation and the management style. Exposure to executive goals and embedding of the standards can be dependent on the culture of the organisation and management.  It should be the end game to strive towards excelling at the National Standards in all aspects of care, and these concepts should be embedded in the frontline personnel in all areas and disciplines, but are we there yet? I don't know that we are. Personally, I believe that Accreditation is essential - it is the ideal opportunity to step back from the day to day and reflect and make an assessment on how we are tracking. ACHS. (2015). Clinical Indicators. Retrieved from http://www.achs.org.au/programs-services/overview/. I also believe that it should not be something we prep for - as the Standards should be at the very least met daily and for each patient who passes through our doors. It should not matter if the accreditors arrive unannounced, the standards should be being met.

Liz Pardede.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"? 

# data[].attributes.body
Working in a public tertiary hospital which undergone accreditation last year, it meant a lot for all the staff involved. There were months of preparation educating and making sure each one is capable of answering the questions relating to the 10 NSQHS standards. Each area in the hospital had undergone fine tuning and self assessments ; and as a result we did pass the accreditation with merit. However, once the accreditation was over the quality of care, in my opinion undergone a few notches down; hence the accreditation can be seen as an end itself. Quality care should be maintained and developed to further improve each time. Accreditation to me can only be a means to an end if it done at random.
Emerson

# data[].attributes.headline
Good work. I note that somebody else also thinks the 'surprise element' might be a good thing. What do otheres think? Should accreditation be scheduled and advertised (to staff and patients/residents) or should only a select few know when it will occur? Who would have most to gain and who would have most to lose if the surveyors were to turn up unannounced? Sue

# data[].attributes.subject
Good work. I note that somebody else also thinks the 'surprise element' might be a good thing. What do otheres think? Should accreditation be scheduled and advertised (to staff and patients/residents) or should only a select few know when it will occur? Who would have most to gain and who would have most to lose if the surveyors were to turn up unannounced? Sue

# data[].attributes.headline
Excellent posting, Jessica. Why do you think staff are often anxious and worried about accreditation? What fosters that ethos? Is it culture, leadership and/or management style, wprkload issues or something else? What do you think? What would make the process of 'going for accreditation' less stressful for staff? Sue 

# data[].attributes.subject
Excellent posting, Jessica. Why do you think staff are often anxious and worried about accreditation? What fosters that ethos? Is it culture, leadership and/or management style, wprkload issues or something else? What do you think? What would make the process of 'going for accreditation' less stressful for staff? Sue 

# data[].attributes.headline
Definitely, Tahani. If an organisation is not fully aware of where improvements are needed, how will they address areas of improvement, effectively. Sue

# data[].attributes.subject
Definitely, Tahani. If an organisation is not fully aware of where improvements are needed, how will they address areas of improvement, effectively. Sue

# data[].attributes.headline
Good thoughts, Narelle. My own experience of accreditation is similar to yours. Accreditors are often very interested in talking to staff on the 'front line' and also to patients and their family/supports. However, if an organisation is a 'learning organisation' and always striving to improve, the actual accreditation process should not be anxiety-producing but rather confirmation that an organisation is doing well while also being aware that improvement is an ongoing process. Sue

# data[].attributes.subject
Good thoughts, Narelle. My own experience of accreditation is similar to yours. Accreditors are often very interested in talking to staff on the 'front line' and also to patients and their family/supports. However, if an organisation is a 'learning organisation' and always striving to improve, the actual accreditation process should not be anxiety-producing but rather confirmation that an organisation is doing well while also being aware that improvement is an ongoing process. Sue

# data[].attributes.headline
Excellent response and thinking, Veronika. This is why continuous quality improvement (CQI) is so important (emphasis on 'continuous' here). If CQI becomes embedded in the workplace, the accreditation process should not become a source of anxiety for staff.  Sue

# data[].attributes.subject
Excellent response and thinking, Veronika. This is why continuous quality improvement (CQI) is so important (emphasis on 'continuous' here). If CQI becomes embedded in the workplace, the accreditation process should not become a source of anxiety for staff.  Sue

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end itself'.?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end itself'.?

# data[].attributes.body
The term 'Accreditation' as defined in business dictionary (online), "Certification of competence in a specified subject or areas of expertise, and of the integrity of an agency, firm, group, or person, awarded by a duly recognized and respected accrediting organization.
Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/accreditation.html

I believe accreditation means to an end.

Accreditation is a process of ensuring patient satisfaction on how well the services that we provide are meeting their needs and expectations.

The good example of this is in my workplace setting, where in we encourage every patient to fill up the patient satisfaction survey.

Healthcare managers and staffs can benefit from satisfaction ratings to enhance structures, processes and outcomes of care, as well as pinpoint areas for improvement.

Tahani

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"

# data[].attributes.body
In my personal opinion, accreditation is a "means to an end".
The Business Dictionary(online) defines 'Accreditation' as "Certification of competence in a specified subject or areas of expertise, and integrity of an agency, firm, group or person, awarded by duly recognized and respected accrediting organization."
http://www.businessdictionary.com/.

I believe accreditation is a continuous process. As we all know healthcare system is always evolving. Upgraded systems, new equipments & techniques, new knowledge, new approaches in terms of surgeries.

Accreditation ensures that we the healthcare professionals and management remain responsible and accountable in maintaining quality health and safety, improving our health delivery system, patient and family expectations and other services that we can offer and provide.

Accreditation comes every year but it doesn't mean, when the process was finished that we have to end, thus we have to continue to improved the areas that needed to be improved/ polished to attained the excellence that we all wanted to achieved.

# data[].attributes.headline
'Means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself'

# data[].attributes.subject
'Means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself'

# data[].attributes.body
While for many the term ‘Accreditation’ often brings about less than enthusiastic reactions from staff members; I believe that accreditation is integral to improve the healthcare system within Australia, and thus a ‘means to an end’.  Accreditation can be defined as a process of reviewing healthcare organisations, to ensure they meet the predetermined criteria and standards of accreditation (Mattson., Corrigan, H., & Gabb, B. 2013).  The 10 standards set out by NSQHS (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2012, p.3) provide a nationally consistent statement about the level of care consumers can expect from heath service organisations, therefore reducing unwanted variations in the delivery of health care and quality and safety.    Accreditation can also be used as a ‘diagnostic tool’ to identify strengths and areas for improvement within the organisation, providing stakeholders with an objective insight and review.  While the benefits for Accreditation within my healthcare facility include an increase in staff involvement, which in turn helps to enhance the professional development, communication and awareness in quality issues.  It also encourages staff to voice their opinions; consequently, helping to improve quality results.  I believe that more education and awareness for all staff members, especially junior staff is warranted, as there appears to be little understanding regarding the importance of accreditation to my organisation.

Further areas of exploration could be the reduction of the work load to decrease the resistance from staff members whom perceive it as an increase to their already demanding workload, rather than an opportunity for professional development and quality improvements. Also, the idea of unannounced accreditation is worth considering, moving away from the more traditional method.
Jessica McKirkle

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. National Safety and Quality
Health Service Standards. (2012). Retrieved
from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au

Mattson, H., Corrigan, H., & Gabb, B. (2013). CIDA Accreditation Standards: Past and Future Evolution. Journal of Interior Design, 38(4), V-Xii.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"?  I feel that accreditation is a means to an end, in which the improvement of quality and assurance is ongoing and in a state of constant evolution, without a definitive end. Consideration of the earlier reading of Dr Deming’s 14 points for management which include a decrease of inspections to monitor the quality of work but rather embed quality as part of practice, is an interesting and noteworthy point, which is feel could be better reflected in the organisation I’m employed by. Is accreditation supporting a minimum standard, or providing goals for the organisation and service with identification of clinical standards which are of a ‘world standard’? My personal (and limited) perception of accreditation is that it is almost  become ‘tickbox’ in nature, and that many of the standards are only adhered to during the auditing phase of the program – particularly with regard to handover process, signage and with respect to particular workplace guidelines. An example of these include strict and laborious adherence to ISBAR handover style during the accreditation auditing process which isn’t followed during the non-accreditation period, the inclusion of particular signage identifying the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (2011) arriving and being displayed weeks before the accreditation process was to begin. I also found it interesting that our unit uses a HDU area, which is not currently funded as a HDU area, however it passed accreditation. This poses a risk to quality and safety in my opinion, as without funding and formal recognition of our HDU as a satisfactory HDU unit the application of current guidelines and standards are most likely not adhered to, which become detrimental to both staff, and consumers alike. Morgan Wise

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"?  I feel that accreditation is a means to an end, in which the improvement of quality and assurance is ongoing and in a state of constant evolution, without a definitive end. Consideration of the earlier reading of Dr Deming’s 14 points for management which include a decrease of inspections to monitor the quality of work but rather embed quality as part of practice, is an interesting and noteworthy point, which is feel could be better reflected in the organisation I’m employed by. Is accreditation supporting a minimum standard, or providing goals for the organisation and service with identification of clinical standards which are of a ‘world standard’? My personal (and limited) perception of accreditation is that it is almost  become ‘tickbox’ in nature, and that many of the standards are only adhered to during the auditing phase of the program – particularly with regard to handover process, signage and with respect to particular workplace guidelines. An example of these include strict and laborious adherence to ISBAR handover style during the accreditation auditing process which isn’t followed during the non-accreditation period, the inclusion of particular signage identifying the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (2011) arriving and being displayed weeks before the accreditation process was to begin. I also found it interesting that our unit uses a HDU area, which is not currently funded as a HDU area, however it passed accreditation. This poses a risk to quality and safety in my opinion, as without funding and formal recognition of our HDU as a satisfactory HDU unit the application of current guidelines and standards are most likely not adhered to, which become detrimental to both staff, and consumers alike. Morgan Wise

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself”?.                    Even though accreditation process is very stressful, time consuming and needs a serious investment of resources, I believe that accreditation is a means to an end.  Means to an end means something that you do because it will help you to achieve something else. Accreditation is the formal recognition by a health care accreditation body of the achievement of pre-determined accreditation standards by a health care facility, proved through an independent external peer assessment of that facility’s level of performance in relation to the standards. The aim of accreditation is to improve the safety, quality, effectiveness and efficiency of a health care organisation, including its structures, processes and outcomes. When organisations participate in accreditations, they are affirming their commitment to patient safety, improved efficiency, quality improvement and the demonstration of accountability. Accreditation provides opportunities for health care providers to compare their operations against national and international standards. Collecting and analysing feedback obtained through accreditation is an essential part of quality improvement. I believe that a facility could use the feedback received from the accreditation body towards quality improvements.  In addition to that, information obtained through accreditation could be used as a relevant resource for healthcare providers, policy makers, governments, thus contributing to continuing quality improvement and effective decision making on a national level. Some of the advantages an organisation could gain from participating in accreditation are motivation to standardise clinical and administrative procedures; increase in team work and internal cohesion; integration and revision of quality agenda; learning from experiences of reviewers; development of internal self-assessment; improvement in hospitals’ image, and increase in consumer and staff satisfaction. Therefore, as above mentioned I believe accreditation is a means to an end. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself”?.                    Even though accreditation process is very stressful, time consuming and needs a serious investment of resources, I believe that accreditation is a means to an end.  Means to an end means something that you do because it will help you to achieve something else. Accreditation is the formal recognition by a health care accreditation body of the achievement of pre-determined accreditation standards by a health care facility, proved through an independent external peer assessment of that facility’s level of performance in relation to the standards. The aim of accreditation is to improve the safety, quality, effectiveness and efficiency of a health care organisation, including its structures, processes and outcomes. When organisations participate in accreditations, they are affirming their commitment to patient safety, improved efficiency, quality improvement and the demonstration of accountability. Accreditation provides opportunities for health care providers to compare their operations against national and international standards. Collecting and analysing feedback obtained through accreditation is an essential part of quality improvement. I believe that a facility could use the feedback received from the accreditation body towards quality improvements.  In addition to that, information obtained through accreditation could be used as a relevant resource for healthcare providers, policy makers, governments, thus contributing to continuing quality improvement and effective decision making on a national level. Some of the advantages an organisation could gain from participating in accreditation are motivation to standardise clinical and administrative procedures; increase in team work and internal cohesion; integration and revision of quality agenda; learning from experiences of reviewers; development of internal self-assessment; improvement in hospitals’ image, and increase in consumer and staff satisfaction. Therefore, as above mentioned I believe accreditation is a means to an end. 

# data[].attributes.body
Nikki

# data[].attributes.body
I've been exposed to accreditation in both private and public hospital settings and although a lot of things have changed in health the accreditation process hasn't really varied in the last 20+ years. It does have it's place somewhere. It ensures policies and procedures, quality and safety and audits are in place. Just how long they've been in place is another question. Does it effectively accredit the every day worker at the 'coal front', probably not. For the leaders or managers it shows whether good processes are in place to enhance the positive outcomes of patients and staff. For the everyday worker it scares them to think they have to answer questions on work they do everyday. They know the answer, nurses in general don't like being 'questioned'. I experienced accreditation with only 3 months under my belt in a new position and state last year. Informed on numerous occasions the 'accreditors' wouldn't want to speak to me as they weren't here to look at general ward and emergency department. Experience indicated this was incorrect and I ended up with an accreditor following me around for 2 days. Answering the questions wasn't a problem and in fact answering them truthfully helped our cause. I was congratulated on how well I did but that wasn't due to support from my other managers in was from experience I had gained having been involved with numerous accreditation processes.
This is strictly my thoughts on my experiences and although I have read articles which back them I haven't used them in this.
Narelle

# data[].attributes.body
Accreditation should be an aspect of the way an organisation works towards achieving the goal of quality healthcare, rather than a goal itself. The care provided to our patients must constantly be updated and reviewed to ensure it is meeting current standards and the needs of patients, and accreditation provides an opportunity for an organisation to evaluate their services.

However I believe that accreditation itself can induce anxiety in organisations as staff are often faced with a large number of changes introduced by management to meet standards, as well as a feeling of pressure as the staff themselves often feel that they are under scrutiny. This can increase the negative connotation of accreditation and make it seem like the ‘bad guy’ rather than a beneficial workplace activity.

Janna

# data[].attributes.body
In my experience, Accreditation seems to bring about a sudden gush of activity in all hospital areas and I see activity boards and signs going up that are then removed after the process is over.
As is currently happening at my place of Employment.
I actually feel a more genuine appraisal would occur if the expected dates for accreditation were not known and they just arrived.
Not saying that it isn't good. it is.
Accreditation is a process of  ensuring patient safety through quality assurance is achieved and maintained to gain public confidence.
Accreditation can be defined as a formal third party to recognition of competence to perform specific tasks".( Cochrane.2014). Through this process organizations are accurately assessed  in relation to evidence-based standards which drives continuous and sustained improvement.
The whole process is continuous just as the clinical reasoning cycle is. It is driven by the evolution  constantly changing health needs. Patients and carers partner with with health service organizations in decision making and service planning and care.
Clinical and non clinical workforce contribute to the delivery of high quality health care and can make health systems safer. Health service managers model behaviors and optimize safe high quality care.Health service owners and executives plan and review governance systems to promote patient quality and safety.Through these bodies the ten standards  for National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards are reviewed and improved.
Cochrane.D (2014) Securing patient safety through quality assurance in a mixed economy of healthcare: The role of accreditation.Clinical risk.2014 20(4) 82-89

# data[].attributes.body
Accreditation a “Means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself?”

My experiences with the accreditation process lead me to the opinion that it is a means to an end. Healthcare is always evolving. New technologies, knowledge and innovation means there really is no end, especially in an environment where we are continually trying to improve.

When working in a clinical setting accreditation gave me a tool to change practice, to highlight where we were not meeting the standards and improving processes. One example of this is moving from handover at a computer in the nurse’s station to handover involving the patient at the bedside.

At an organisational level I find it a good check to see where we are at, reflect on what we have achieved and to look for opportunities for improvement.

Regards

Bernadette

Clarke

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"? 

# data[].attributes.body
Accreditation – the very word sends a shiver up my spine as I contemplate the extra workload and stress brought upon the workforce each time it comes due for another round.

The challenge for me as a manager has been to ensure clinician engagement in the process so Accreditation is not viewed as “means to an end” but rather more like a quality and safety watchdog that calls all of us at the organisation to account for the care we deliver.  I view this process as a positive one that has certainly assisted the organisation I work for in improving what we do and how we do it both from a local and organisational perspective.
Toni Schmid

# data[].attributes.headline
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is accreditation a "means to an end, or is accreditation an end in itself"?

# data[].attributes.body
My personal opinion:

Being a ‘means to an end not an end in itself’ suggests that the goal is the goal, and the way to achieve that goal doesn’t exist for its own sake and not to confuse the way with the goal.

I view accreditation quite conversely and think that we need to respect the inherent worth of what we are doing (the way) in the process to achieve accreditation (the goal).

The systems that we implement to meet the standards will improve the safety and quality of healthcare and accreditation will simply measure how well these are met.

Bec Peters

# data[].attributes.body
From my 8 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. That Accrediation is not a means to an End. I do value its place in ensuring that processes, guidelines, policies and procedures are implemented effectively and successfully. However it does not fully assess patient satisfaction and the effective delivery of care on a daily basis. The purpose of Accreditation is to measure overall the effective and sustainable implementation of guidelines procedures and protocols to uphold values and statements promised by the organization providing the service (e.g. hospital) to meet and exceed the expectations and needs of the consumer. Accreditation is valuable for it holds the organization accountable and fair. It also aids in obtaining and retaining the trust of the consumer so that they return. However it is not a means to an end as healthcare evolves consistently as a result of research and new finding. There will always be better and more efficient ways to deliver care and promote quality of life. Accreditation is necessary to ensure quality, efficient, measureable, cost effective health care is at the forefront of our decision making as healthcare professionals.

# data[].attributes.headline
I accreditation a 'means to an end or is accreditation an end in itself'?

# data[].attributes.subject
I accreditation a 'means to an end or is accreditation an end in itself'?

# data[].attributes.body
Whilst the preparation and process of accreditation may be considered arduous due to the seemingly increase workload and speed in which it reoccurs, I believe accreditation is a ‘means to an end’.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines this term as “something that you do because it will help you to achieve something else”.
Accreditation may be considered the process where the safety, quality, efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare organisations’ performance is measured against a predetermined set of standards.
The 15 EQuiPNational standards collaborated through stakeholder and public consultation of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2012) addresses 10 essential standards of patient care and 5 key standards addressing organisational efficiencies and effectiveness positively motivates performance and critical assessment of organisational paperwork and processes.
I believe accreditation ensures both healthcare employees and managers remain accountable to maintaining and improving quality in service delivery, financial expenditure, staff competency, patient safety and consumer expectation as well as facilitating uniformity in policy and procedures development, equity in performance expectation and process transparency.
Accreditation is the ‘thing we do’ because it offers organisational recognition of achievements and feedback where improvement is required which drives health care to excellence in safety and quality.
Juanita Webb
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au
Cambridge University Press. (2017). Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved from http://dictionary.cambridge.org

# data[].attributes.body
The following post is my opinion based on working for many years in healthcare settings, most recently in Western Australia within the private sector.
My answer to the question above is that Accreditation is a means to an end, but only for the short term, and not the complete end as the question itself suggests.
Working as a Registered Nurse, I am very familliar with the "anxiety" the thought of Accreditation can create throughout a hospital or ward when an inspection is pending, particularly in Private hospitals where funding and budgets are of high priority.  This anxiety is directly related to whether the current modes of practice within the hospital by all employees are, and do in fact meet the AHSS&Q standards and expectations, particularly at patient level.
At ward level, certainly from my experience as a nurse delivering direct patient care, little direct communication is filtered down from Management regarding what Accreditation actually involves and/or what is  required from staff. Instead Accreditation, i believe, is interpreted by many staff members as an opportunity and reminder to assess your own standards and current practices, and perhaps make changes where and if required to meet and maintain the high standards of care/practices determined by the AHSS&Q Accreditation Scheme.
It is because of this process that i consider Accreditation to be an ongoing necessary process. One that never actually ends as such, but rather continues to evolve and change based on our ever changing society, treatments, technologies and needs. Without it, there would be too many variants of what would be considered "normal" in healthcare,  thus directly affecting quality patient care.