Developing a National Accreditation Model for Cardiac- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Centers in Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Accreditation has become more prevalent across different health system sectors, as it aims to enhance the performance of healthcare facilities. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a national accreditation model for cardiac-pulmonary rehabilitation centers.

Methods: This mixed-method study used the literature review, the Delphi technique, and quantitative methods for benchmarking excellent related accreditation models, assessing the extracted standards and measures from excellent models based on expert’s perspective, conducting the pilot study, respectively. During the Delphi stage, 26 experts assessed the developed measures based on “importance” and “feasibility” criteria. The pilot phase of the model included self-assessment, external evaluation, and final improvement of the developed model.

Results: The accreditation models employed in the United States, France, and Egypt, as well as those utilized by hospitals, outpatient clinics, and primary care facilities in Iran, were considered reference models. Eleven functional dimensions were met based on benchmarking. The initial design of the model included 11 dimensions, 35 standards, and 263 measures. After eliminating 18 measures and adjusting to 34 others, the final number totaled 245. The mean scores of assessed measures in importance and feasibility criteria were 8.23 and 8.11, respectively. Subsequently, the essential components of the model were identified and developed. The performance score of the assessed rehabilitation center in compliance with standards was estimated at 0.73 and 0.23 in the self-assessment and external survey phase of the pilot study.

Conclusion: Given the model’s comprehensiveness and the endorsement it has received from experts and stakeholders, its implementation is anticipated to establish a solid basis for the ongoing enhancement of cardiac-pulmonary rehabilitation centers’ performance.