EBME Forums Forums Management Modernisation (Formerly, Controls Assurance) JCI Accreditation

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. :-)