Mitigating Risk: High Seas & Hospital Safety

2025-06-09 15:15:00

Hospital Accreditation: Beyond Patient Surveys

Hospitals use various methods to ensure they’re providing top-notch care, including internal and external evaluations. One organization, DNV GL, stands out in the accreditation process, specifically for infection prevention.

• DNV GL provides accreditation services to hospitals, focusing on infection prevention.
• Their process involves evaluating facilities based on standards from the World Health Organization and the centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• the process includes record reviews, on-site visits, and medical record audits.

What is DNV GL, and how does it contribute to hospital quality? DNV GL is a company that provides accreditation services for hospitals, with a unique program focused on infection prevention, which is crucial for patient safety.

In the 1800s, as global trade expanded, Norway played a key role. This growth led to the need for insurance to protect merchants from potential losses at sea. Insurance companies sought to minimize their risks, so they needed to ensure the ships they insured were safe. In 1864, a group of marine insurance clubs created a system to assess risk before insuring ships. This group, Det Norske Veritas, developed a standardized system for ship classification, evaluation, and taxation, aiding shipbuilders, merchants, and insurers.

did you know?-Det Norske veritas, one of DNV GL’s predecessor organizations, was founded by marine insurance clubs to assess the risk of insuring ships. This focus on risk assessment continues in DNV GL’s modern healthcare accreditation services.

simultaneously, in Germany, a similar organization, Germanischer Lloyd, emerged to evaluate ship quality. Over time, these groups collaborated, even during significant global events and technological shifts. In 2013, these two organizations merged to form DNV GL, extending their risk mitigation services to energy, businesses, and healthcare.

Accreditation Today

DNV GL now offers accreditation services for hospitals. One of their key programs is the Certification in Infection Prevention.This certification uses standards from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DNV GL assesses facilities through record reviews, on-site visits, and medical record audits. This entire process received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2008, following a four-year review.

Reader question:-How do you think a hospital’s commitment to infection prevention impacts patient confidence and overall satisfaction with their care? Share your thoughts.

The Infection Prevention certification covers 18 key areas, including written plans, staff training, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. Rather than using scores, DNV GL identifies areas needing improvement and offers support. The certification process can take up to three years. While other organizations like the Joint Commission and the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) offer accreditation, DNV GL is the only one providing a program specifically for infection prevention.

Risk Mitigation: Then and Now

In the 1800s, insurers prepared for threats to ships, such as rough seas and pirates. Today, the focus remains on risk mitigation. In healthcare, we face threats like pathogens and vulnerable patients.DNV GL’s origins in ship inspection now extend to hospitals, protecting human life.

The Expanding Scope of Infection Prevention and Accreditation

DNV GL’s evolution from maritime risk assessment to healthcare accreditation highlights the enduring importance of risk mitigation. As we’ve seen, their expertise in evaluating potential threats has been crucial, from the perils of the sea to the complexities of modern healthcare. But what does this mean for the future of infection prevention and hospital accreditation?

in the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, accreditation programs like DNV GL’s play a vital role. The focus extends beyond just infectious diseases. The challenge of ensuring patient safety involves various elements: physical infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and the constant need for staff training [[1]], and a commitment to ongoing improvement.

Beyond the basics: Key Areas of focus

DNV GL’s Infection Prevention Certification, such as, already covers 18 critical areas, but the focus is dynamic. With the ongoing emergence of new pathogens and the constant evolution of best practices, accreditation programs must adapt. Consider some key areas driving the future of hospital accreditation and infection control:

• Advanced Technologies: Implementing and maintaining advanced technologies is critical in accreditation. This includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs),automated systems for medication dispensing,and advanced diagnostic tools that can impact patient care and influence infection control efforts.
• Surveillance and Data Analytics: The rise of data analytics is transforming accreditation processes. Hospitals now use sophisticated systems to monitor infection rates, track antibiotic resistance, and identify potential outbreaks. Data-driven insights allow for targeted interventions and continuous improvement.
• Staffing and Competency: Ensuring adequate staffing levels and competent, well-trained personnel is always key. Accreditation programs must assess staffing models and provide evidence that caregivers are up to date on the latest infection control standards.
• Patient and Family Engagement: Patients and their families play an active role in their care. Accreditation programs actively involve them in the process, promoting a culture of shared duty.

The Future of Accreditation: A Collaborative Approach

Looking ahead,accreditation is likely to become even more collaborative.DNV GL,like other accreditation bodies,already works closely with the World Health Association (WHO) and the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) to incorporate the most current guidelines and best practices. Expect even greater integration.

What are the benefits for patients? Hospitals with excellent infection prevention programs not only reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections but also improve patient confidence. How can hospitals achieve accreditation? They can do so by undergoing extensive audits and on-site inspections,demonstrating their commitment to a complete approach to infection control.

Practical Steps for Enhanced Infection Prevention

Hospitals can take several practical steps to bolster their infection prevention programs and prepare for future accreditation challenges.

• Implement a Robust Hand Hygiene Program: Promote frequent and proper handwashing among staff, patients, and visitors.
• Enhance Environmental Cleaning: Employ rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols for all surfaces and equipment.
• Optimize Antibiotic Stewardship: Follow antibiotic prescribing guidelines to fight antibiotic resistance.
• Invest in Staff Training: Provide employees with up-to-date training on infection prevention protocols and best practices.
• Foster Clear Dialog: Maintain a patient-centered approach; openly share data about infection risks, and encourage strong communication between staff and patients.

The Role of Technology

The future of infection prevention and accreditation depends increasingly on technology. Digital health records, data analytics dashboards, and automated alert systems are essential tools in the ongoing fight against infections.

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Improve documentation accuracy and facilitate rapid data retrieval.
• Data Analytics: Enable prediction of infection trends and quicker responses to outbreaks.
• automated Systems: provide automated reminders for hand hygiene or environmental cleaning.

The journey DNV GL has taken, from the risks of maritime trade to hospitals, demonstrates the ongoing need for vigilance.By proactively implementing proactive strategies, hospitals can position themselves for better patient outcomes. Infection prevention is a dynamic endeavor that evolves with the changing landscape of healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often does a hospital need to be accredited?

A: Accreditation cycles typically occur every three years, requiring hospitals to undergo regular evaluations to maintain their certification.

Q: What happens if a hospital fails its accreditation?

A: If a hospital fails to meet accreditation standards, it may face corrective actions, such as targeted improvements, or could lose its accreditation status.

Q: How does accreditation affect patient satisfaction?

A: Accreditation contributes to improved patient confidence, as it shows a commitment to providing quality care.

Q: Are all accreditation bodies the same?

A: Accreditation bodies like DNV GL,the Joint Commission,and HFAP have diffrent specializations. DNV GL stands out because of its specific focus on infection prevention.

Q: Can patients find out if a hospital is accredited?

A: Yes, information about a hospital’s accreditation can often be found on the hospital’s website or the accrediting agency’s site..