The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) has unveiled a major update to its accreditation standards for hospitals, with the release of the 6th edition. The revised standards are set to be officially launched at the NABH Patient Safety Conference in New Delhi on September 17, 2024, and will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
NABH’s accreditation standards serve as a benchmark for healthcare quality and patient safety across India. The 6th edition represents a significant evolution, designed to reflect the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare. It includes enhanced protocols that address new challenges and emerging trends in patient care, safety, and hospital management.
Speaking at the introduction of the 6th edition, Dr. Atul Mohan Kochhar, CEO of NABH, highlighted the organization’s dedication to raising the quality of healthcare services in India. “As we navigate through the dynamic landscape of healthcare, this edition stands as a testament to NABH’s continuous commitment to elevating the quality and safety of healthcare services in our nation,” Dr. Kochhar said.
He further elaborated on the importance of these changes: “The 6th edition of NABH accreditation standards is a valuable resource for healthcare organizations committed to providing safe, effective, and patient-centered care. It reflects the best practices that will support hospitals in delivering world-class medical services.”
The new edition brings several improvements, covering various aspects of hospital operations, clinical protocols, and patient management. These include Enhanced Safety Protocols which implies greater emphasis on infection control, patient safety, and medical waste management.
Digital Health Integration which implies focus on integrating digital health technologies to improve patient care and data management. Patient-Centered Care with increased focus on patient rights, informed consent, and ensuring patients play a more active role in their care decisions. It also includes greater accountability for staff training and development to maintain continuous improvement in service delivery.
These updates are aligned with global standards and ensure that Indian healthcare providers remain competitive on the world stage, offering the highest quality of care.
NABH has laid out a detailed transition and implementation plan to ensure that hospitals have adequate time and support to migrate to the 6th edition standards. According to the official notification, hospitals and organizations that are already accredited or in the process of accreditation will have the option to transition from the 5th edition to the 6th edition during specific phases of their accreditation cycle. The key highlights of the transition plan include:
All hospitals applying for accreditation from January 1, 2025, onwards will be assessed under the 6th edition standards. Hospitals with valid accreditation can continue under the 5th edition until their next assessment, after which they can opt for the 6th edition. Surveillance assessments under the 5th edition standards will continue until March 31, 2025, providing hospitals a window to adjust to the new requirements.
NABH will be offering training sessions, workshops, and support services to ensure a smooth transition for healthcare organizations across India. Dr. Kochhar stressed the importance of preparation and engagement with the new standards: “We encourage all healthcare providers to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and take advantage of the resources NABH will provide to ensure that they meet the expectations of the 6th edition.”
The introduction of the 6th edition NABH standards marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of healthcare accreditation in India. By emphasizing safety, patient-centered care, and the integration of modern technologies, the new standards aim to improve the quality of healthcare services across the country. With a robust transition plan and comprehensive support for hospitals, NABH is confident that the 6th edition will elevate the standard of care and ensure a safer, more efficient healthcare environment for patients nationwide.
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- Source: https://auroushealthcare.wordpress.com/2024/09/16/nabh-introduces-6th-edition-of-accreditation-standards-for-hospitals/