What is ACHS International?
ACHS International (ACHSI) is a subsidiary of the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), which extends the mission of the ACHS internationally. The ACHS is an independent organisation dedicated to improving the quality of health care through continual review of performance, assessment and accreditation.
What is the framework for ACHSI accreditation?
The framework for the ACHSI accreditation is the Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program (EQuIP). It is a four-year membership program for establishing and maintaining quality care and services in health care organisations. The program consists of one EQuIP event each year as part of a continuous quality cycle:
• an Organisation-Wide Survey
• a Periodic Review
• two Self-Assessments.
How much does it cost?
Depending on the size of the organisation, the cost will vary according to the number of surveyors and days required to provide an organisation wide survey. The cost of a four-year program is very competitive and payment is distributed over the four-year membership period. We would welcome information about your facility in order that we can provide you an exact costing for your consideration.
In what ways does ACHSI differ from other accreditation agencies?
Feedback from organisations suggests that the ACHSI program is less prescriptive than others and has a collaborative approach to ongoing continuous quality improvement. ACHSI is very willing to adapt the program to ensure that the standards and guidelines suit the needs of each facility. ACHSI requires organisations to demonstrate annual continual review of performance over a four-year membership program. Other accreditation agencies survey an organisation once in three years.
How long does it take to obtain ACHSI accreditation?
The exact time to first accreditation does depend, to some degree, upon the organisation, particularly the development of its quality program. However, accreditation is usually achieved within the first stage of the four-year program.
Which hospitals have been accredited by ACHSI?
ACHSI is involved in accreditation activities in India, the Middle East and Hong Kong. ACHSI is currently working with a number of hospitals from all three areas in preparation for their accreditation surveys later in 2007.
Does ACHSI accredit clinics and other types of health services?
The nature of the ACHSI standards is that they are not prescriptive and therefore can be applied to a variety of health services. The more specific application of the standards to the different health care settings is supported by the elements and guidelines which are an integral part of the program.
Is ACHSI accredited by an internationally recognised accrediting body?
The ACHSI is accredited by ISQua (International Society for Quality in Health Care). ACHS has been accredited by ISQua since 1997
Is it possible to buy a copy of the ACHSI standards?
ACHSI standards are available for purchase directly from ACHSI. Please contact ACHSI on achsi@achs.org.au
Does ACHSI provide assistance with training and preparation for accreditation?
ACHSI ensures the independence of its accreditation processes by not directly working to prepare organisations for their accreditation survey if required. However, ACHSI works exclusively with Quality Healthcare Australia (QHA) who is very experienced in working to provide training and assistance to organisations preparing for ACHSI accreditation.
