Overview of (inter)national accreditation in Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective to outline the panorama of national and international Accreditation in Brazil. Method a descriptive study, of quantitative approach and documental source. The survey fields were the unrestricted access online pages of the following accrediting methodologies: National Accreditation Organization (ONA), Joint Commission International (JCI), Accreditation Canada International (ACI), and QMentum International, besides the page of the National Registry of Health Establishments (CNES) and/or institutional sites. Variables were extracted: type of institution/health care facility; sector management regime; location; level of certification (in case of a seal granted by ONA), and size (for hospitals). Descriptive statistical analysis was used. Results data from 1,122 certifications was obtained, especially from ONA (77.2%) and QMentum International (13.2%). Hospitals prevailed in the Accreditation adherence (35.3%), mainly the large ones (60.3%) and from the private sector (75.8%). There was a concentration of quality seals in the Southeast region of Brazil (64.5%), and the North region presented the lowest proportion of certified establishments (3%). Conclusions and implications for practice the Accreditation certifications in Brazil refer to the national methodology, focusing on the private hospital area and the Southeast region of the country. The mapping outlined can support assertiveness in incentive policies for quality management and external evaluation in Brazil.