Posted September 20, 2006
Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare: e-News
Inpatient Diabetes Care Certification
Two of the nation's leaders in improving health care for Americans are collaborating to recognize hospital inpatient diabetes programs that meet national quality standards and raise the quality of care provided to patients with diabetes.
Based on the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) clinical practice guidelines, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has developed an Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care Certification Program that will provide the first nationwide certification program for inpatient diabetes care.
More than 14 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, with 1 out of every 10 health care dollars now being spent on diabetes and its complications. This includes more than $40 billion for inpatient hospital care. Effective management of glucose levels of diagnosed diabetic patients can help reduce the risk of further complications and adverse outcomes.
"The collaboration between the ADA and Joint Commission will help standardize the care provided for all diabetic patients in all inpatient departments in a hospital. Through systematic monitoring of all diabetic patients, outcomes can be improved. This will lead to a better quality of life for diabetic patients and position certified organizations for success in pay-for-performance programs," says Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.
"The ADA is very pleased to partner with the Joint Commission on this project. To meet the portion of our mission 'to improve the lives of all those affected by diabetes,' we need to maximize care in the inpatient as well as the outpatient setting. This project will bring attention to this important area as well as reward those hospitals that are delivering quality care," says Robert A. Rizza, M.D., president, Medicine & Science, ADA.
Organizations seeking inpatient diabetes care certification will undergo an on-site review of their compliance with national standards and the management of diabetes patients through clinical guidelines. The review also will include an assessment of performance measurement and improvement activities. In addition, organizations will be assessed regarding the qualifications and competencies of practitioners; processes established to encourage patient self-management; demonstrated leadership support for the program; and use of clinical information systems to monitor patient care management.
The Joint Commission will convene an expert panel to develop a standard performance measure set for inpatient diabetes.
For more information about inpatient diabetes care certification, please contact Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission, at 630.792.5291 or DSCinfo@jcaho.org.
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