Hello to all,
Our hospital is on the process of acquiring JCI accreditation. I would like to know what is the difference between JCI and ISO accreditation specifically on the biomedical aspect...
Thanks!

Simply put, one (ie, JCI) is based upon what we could call the American Model, whilst the other is based upon the European Model. Similar aims, different approaches (mind-sets).

But if your hospital has already decided to go down a certain route, I would have thought that it's a bit late to worry too much about it now, Bong. It'll be a load of extra work for biomed either way!

Hi

We have recently passed our JCI, if you want any info,please let me know!

Regards

Ed

How about ... how much did it cost?

See also.

Too funny!

Ed

hi

Thanks
What are the requirements for a biomedical division to pass the JCI accreditation

Hi Joby

Basically Lots of money

No but seriously you need the JCI standards manual?
It is a very comprehensive standard that comes in a thick 190-page manual. You really need to read it (Your quality department should be able to guide you).

Also here is a press release form a recent successful org!

Dont be scared by it though, JCI is an on going thing! If you cannot meet certain aspects of JCI now, prove you intend to in the future!

Regards

Ed

Hi Joby

Requirements for Biomedical will be under the Standards for Facility Management and Safety (FMS). As stated by Eddie, you will need to get the JCI manual and work out the details with your quality department.

Basically, you need equipment database, maintenance schedules and documentation, equipment quality assurance and safety testing schedules and documentation.

And yes, JCI is an ongoing thing, partial compliance matters are accorded a reasonable timeframe for full compliance.

Good Luck !

Hi All,
We already are ISO certified and have passed reaccreditaion after 2 years last January...
What are our chances of getting JCI certified? Is JCI more strict than ISO?

In my opinion ISO is a far higher standard! We have JCI but are no way going to achieve an ISO accreditation! I look forward to other input on this! Also everyone I talk to is familiar with ISO; after all it’s an international standard! JCI is not (JC whO??? I hear!)! Why do you need JCI? Is your hospital trying to qualify?

Eddie

I don't want to post a comment about WHY our quality management admin wants an additional accreditation.
I've just read the link you provided Re: the Singapore Hospital and I think we have done most if not all what they did to get the JCI nod....
As of now there is still no definite word from QM(quality mgnt) about when,how,etc this JCI thing would start. What I know is that a group came to explore/assess us on JCI accreditation,hence my query about what it is....
Thanks.....

Sure no problem, it may be a business incentive to attract more customers so to speak! As for your department though, if you are already ISO accredited why bother with another standard! I mean to operate in accordance with two different standards is a contradiction itself! I personally would tell your quality management team to leave you well alone! You’re obviously well organized as it stands!

Eddie

It might be interesting to take a look at both sets of requirements. Surely they should both be preaching similar messages, I would have thought (hoped)! Perhaps they can be assimilated into a single regime. Then you could really claim to be working to the "highest international standards"!

JCI seems to be a watered down ISO ref

Note the phrase ....



Ed

Geoff,
You were right in stating that ISO cert is MORE WORK for the biomed specially the paper work which most engineers I know of dislike....
I am just thankful that the PPM task was assigned to another group.

Having gone through both of the accreditation processes (JCI and ISO), personally, I prefer the hospital to undergo JCI. One reason can be gleaned just by looking at their mission statements.

JCI - http://www.jointcommission.org/AboutUs/joint_commission_history.htm
Mission
The mission of The Joint Commission is to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations.

ISO - http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/management_standards/iso_9000_iso_14000.htm
The ISO 9000 family addresses "quality management". This means what the organization does to fulfill:
the customer's quality requirements, and
applicable regulatory requirements, while aiming to
enhance customer satisfaction, and
achieve continual improvement of its performance in pursuit of these objectives.


There's quite a number of hospitals who had ISO certification for several years and fail to pass JCI.

The preparation for biomedical for both JCI and ISO should be the same. Its just in JCI, biomedical is part of FMS.

Hi Alan,

We have gone through many ISO periodic and recertification audits and with each audit there is always a learning experience for all of us.

I like to ask for your opinion as to which is the most difficult JCI audit question with respect to biomedical engineering (BME)that you have encountered? Hope you can share.

Regards

Hi Roger,
Sorry for the late response, vacation time ....
To return to your inquiry, it was our head of FMS who answered the questions for the biomedical department (yup, lucky me, :-) ). considering that you had ISO, with regards to biomedical, you should be ready for JCI. The questions asked were the regular stuff - PPM procedures, etc , you basically have to show them how you do PPM and repair. It will involve the process in how you do the work - database, schedules, tools, PPM forms and procedural list, stickers, tags, filing system, parts, follow up work, etc.
Make sure your critical equipment PPM are scheduled accordingly and done on time.
Of course, as with the other audits, its the mission and vision thing that caused me concern as i frequently forget those (possible memory deterioration due to past repeated exposure to x-ray ? , hehehe), though you are allowed to keep a copy of those in your person and read it to them.
Good luck

Thanks Alan for your reply.

My Institution will be audited for JCI this August. I believe for every audit there is a need to prepare and comply with all necessary requirements and to the best of your ability.

Regards

Hi Roger,
the reason i highlighted the critical equipment is that we saw JCI really put emphasis on safety and quality of care. This was one of the first things they looked into, that we have a system wherein critical equipment are categorized, scheduled (quarterly, twice a year and so on, as per the manufacturers' recommendation, location, age, etc) as well as the general yearly PPM for the other equipment.
they also looked into how we process the equipment under repair (if we tagged them properly, etc), use of googles, safe storage of flammable materials, etc .
to cover all the bases, we checked all electrical machines (even the DVD players, television, kettles) in the patient rooms and all other patient related areas using the electrical safety analyzer. they didnt ask but we assumed they noticed the tags.
In our case, the regulations of the country regarding fire safety were followed so the gap between firedoors and fire retardant drapes were recommendations and not noncompliant items. We are currently in the process of implementing those as it is the right thing to do.
They were thorough, they looked under the false ceiling, went up the roof, scrutinized the bathroom tiles, etc.
but it was good as all of these were for the welfare of our patients and ourselves also. and with focus-pdca, we can ensure that the changes would be not only beneficial but also cost effective.
Good Luck

on another note, it has been years since i last visited Singapore (hp medical was not yet agilent), really enjoyed the night safari. :-)

... better keep them out of NHS hospitals, then!

They are paid anyway and nobody comes to fail you. Its a win-win situation and a well paid holiday for 5 nights.... well day time got to work.

Today is my second day of the JCI recertification audit.

A lot of walking to do ....... and yes the surveyor went up looking above the false ceiling for wall penetration. When he goes round the patient care areas, he picks up a few kits for tracing the maintenance records. Surveyor site many examples and practices in US hospital .......just suggestion and recommendation.

Sounds like the kind of job that I could handle ... travelling around the world finding snags in hospitals. Better ask the guy whether he has any vacancies, Roger!

PS: I hope it all goes well for you.

You can do it as well but you have to base yourself in US for a change, I guess.

BTW we have passed with flying colors. Not a single EBME findings.

Well done. Time and money well spent then, or not?

PS: if it were just a simple matter of relocation, I would have left this country for good many years ago, believe me.

Money aside, the preparation has been well worth for the result.

Hi Joby,
I m rahim,
u r approaching JCI standard,
Joint Commission International Accreditation Policies
Health care organizations wishing to be accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) must meet the
following requirements.
General Eligibility Requirements for Survey
Any health care organization (also see Glossary) may apply for JCI accreditation (also see Glossary) if it meets the
following requirements:
• The organization is currently in operation as a health care provider in the country, and licensed (if required).
• The organization assumes, or is willing to assume, responsibility for improving the quality of its care and
services.
• The organization provides services addressed by JCI standards.
Purpose of an Accreditation Survey
An accreditation survey (also see Glossary) assesses an organization’s compliance with JCI standards and their
intent statements. The survey evaluates the organization’s compliance based on
• interviews with staff and patients and other verbal information;
• on-site observations of patient care processes (also see Glossary) by the surveyors;
• policies, procedures, and other documents provided by the organization; and
• results of self-assessments when part of the accreditation process.
The on-site survey process, as well as continued self-assessment, helps organizations identify and correct
problems and improve the quality of care (also see Glossary) and services. In addition to evaluating compliance
with standards and their intent statements, surveyors spend time in providing education in support of the
organization’s quality improvement activities.
Scope of Accreditation Surveys
The scope of the JCI survey includes all standards-related functions of an applicant organization and all patient
care settings. Applicable standards are selected by JCI from this manual based on the scope of services (also see
Glossary) provided by an organization applying for survey.
The on-site survey will consider specific cultural and/or legal factors which may influence or shape decisions
regarding the provision of care and/or policies and procedures in an organization.
Outcomes of Accreditation Surveys
The Accreditation Committee of JCI makes accreditation decisions (also see Glossary) based on the findings of
the survey. An organization can receive one of the following two accreditation decisions:
Accredited: An accreditation decision that results when an organization demonstrates
• acceptable compliance with each JCI standard (a score of at least “5” on each standard);
• acceptable compliance with the standards in each chapter (an aggregate score of at least “7” for each
chapter);
• overall acceptable compliance (an aggregate score of at least “8.5” on all standards); and
• acceptable compliance with all International Patient Safety Goals (a score of at least “5” on all goal
requirements).
Accreditation Denied: An accreditation decision that results when an organization is consistently not in
compliance with JCI standards and International Patient Safety Goals, including

Hi Abdul, welcome to the Forum! May I just add this - read below for more information http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/and http://www.24x7mag.com/issues/2008-01.asp

And this How to get started with JCI as well.