Enabling Factors for the Successful Implementation of the CBAHI Accreditation Program

BACKGROUND: Healthcare organizations worldwide tend to implement hospital accreditation programs to improve the quality of care they provide. However, the literature shows inconsistent findings on the impact of such programs on the quality of care due to improper implementation of accreditation programs. PURPOSE: This study explored the enabling factors for the effective implementation of the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) program in the Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This qualitative study involved 22 professionals from five CBAHI-accredited MOH hospitals in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. A purposive sampling technique was applied, and data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis approach was applied to the interview transcripts. RESULTS: Four themes and 11 subthemes emerged. The emerging themes included the development of human capital, resolving quality management issues, ensuring the availability of resources, and strategizing CBAHI-specific solutions. CONCLUSION: The current study fills this knowledge gap by identifying the factors leading to the effective implementation of the CBAHI accreditation program in the MOH hospitals. Only the effective execution of the CBAHI will increase healthcare quality and, as a result, justify the significant resources and efforts invested in these programs. Future research should replicate similar study in other governments or private hospitals.