Certification and Accreditation
Based on the strategic framework of the PSP-One project to improve quality in the private sector, we have engaged in developing a package of tools to certify providers who are providing quality care. The tools rely on a self-assessment and problem solving process template described in the QI package. The template is easily adapted to the particular type of provider cadre and type of services being certified. In addition, a facility assessment is conducted by an external group and guidelines for certifying the provider and his/her practice are developed. The first example is with the Jordan Women’s Health Project to certify private doctors who are providing quality RTI and STI services.
The next step in assuring quality of care is to have a regulatory process in place at the national level that can be enforced for both the provision of public and private services – an accreditation process. However, embarking on an accreditation journey is a long-term effort and in order for an accreditation process to be sustainable requires that certain prerequisite factors be in place. We have developed an accreditation readiness tool with an accompanying paper to help interested stakeholders to determine if they are ready to begin the accreditation process. PSP-One is now in the process of applying the readiness tool and will prepare a paper that summarizes the lessons learned from its application. Please refer to the resources section for the Accreditation Readiness Tool and paper entitled “Assessing the Accreditation Readiness of Health Care Organizations: A Tool for Policy Makers and Program Implementers.” The project is in the process of disseminating the paper and tool and looking for opportunities to assist countries in applying it – particularly those countries and organizations considering accreditation strategies for family planning services as well as for HIV services since many countries have looked at certifying providers for anti-retroviral therapy and now want to move accrediting these services.
