AAAASF Refines Program to Uphold the Gold Standard in Accreditation

GURNEE, Ill. -- As organizations involved in ambulatory accreditation continue to upgrade standards in patient care and safety to keep pace with developments in ambulatory surgery, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) continues to refine its program to uphold the gold standard in ambulatory accreditation. 

"Understanding that maintaining safety and quality of care in the ambulatory surgery setting is a dynamic process that requires constant review and revision of the standards. The Gold Standard program effectively monitors and implements the latest state-of-the-art advances in outpatient care -- advances that directly impact and benefit the patient,” says AAAASF president James Yates, MD.

AAAASF recognized from its inception in 1980 that the key to accreditation in ambulatory care was clear, well-defined standards that correlate directly to patient safety. Then, AAAASF went a step further by requiring board certification and hospital privileges that reflect the procedures a physician is qualified to perform. This requirement is mandatory for all physicians operating in an AAAASF-accredited facility. In addition, AAAASF accreditation requires 100 percent compliance with all applicable standards related to the level of anesthesia administered in the facility.

As part of the Gold Standard program, AAAASF has required the reporting of random case reviews and unanticipated events for the last seven years. The Patient Safety Act of 2005 will allow similar reporting to be voluntary and open to all physicians. Studies from the AAAASF reports have shown the high level of safety in AAAASF accredited facilities and can only help fuel the continued growth in ambulatory facilities.

"It behooves physicians to lead the charge for accreditation, for it can only help the patient safety dialog and re-establish the importance of peer review. Surveys have found that staff members feel more comfortable and appreciative to be working in facilities that have received such documentation. More importantly, patients are more comfortable and relaxed in accredited facilities,” adds Yates.

The concept of a gold standard resonates with patients, who are becoming far more educated about medical topics and options. They seek the highest level of patient care, so accreditation is a great tool for demonstrating a facility's commitment to patient safety. The Internet and the general media are paying far more attention to medical concerns than ever before. This is the era of the "informed patient," who seeks out information about their medical condition even before they consult with a physician. 

"Accreditation can be the most comprehensive way to regulate quality in ambulatory care,” concludes Yates.

Source: American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.

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