Question

What is the role of the Joint Commission in health care?

Answer 1

Joint Commission standards are the basis of an objective evaluation process that can help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The standards focus on important patient, individual, or resident care and organization functions that are essential to providing safe, high quality care. The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards set expectations for organization performance that are reasonable, achievable and surveyable.

The Joint Commission is governed by a 32-member Board of Commissioners that includes physicians, administrators, nurses, employers, quality experts, a consumer advocate and educators. The Joint Commission employs approximately 1,100 people in its field staff, at its central office in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, and at an office in Washington, D.C.

Improves the quality of patient care by reducing variation in clinical processes – The Joint Commission’s standards and emphasis on clinical practice guidelines help organizations establish a consistent approach to care, reducing the risk of error.

Provides a framework for program structure and management – Certification standards help organize the disease management program. This helps to maintain a consistently high level of quality, using effective data-driven performance improvement.

Provides an objective assessment of clinical excellence – Joint Commission reviewers have significant experience evaluating disease management programs. They are trained to provide expert advice and education on good practices during the on-site review.

Creates a loyal, cohesive clinical team – Certification provides an opportunity for staff to develop their skills and knowledge. Achieving certification provides the clinical team with common goals and a concrete validation of their combined efforts