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Accreditation by the National Accreditation Organization (ONA) is an external evaluation process for health services designed to ensure the quality and safety of patient care. The ONA accreditation assessment involves several steps, from the initial preparation of the healthcare institution to maintaining the accreditation status. Here’s a detailed overview of how this process works:
1. Choice of Accrediting Institution
ONA does not conduct accreditation assessments directly. Instead, it accredits independent accrediting institutions that are responsible for carrying out the assessments. NCC is accredited to conduct the assessment!
2. Preparation and Self-Assessment
Before applying for accreditation, the healthcare institution must undergo internal preparation. This includes conducting a self-assessment to identify strengths and areas for improvement in relation to the quality and safety standards set by ONA. Self-assessment is a vital step for the institution to understand the accreditation requirements and to implement the necessary changes to meet them.
3. External Assessment
After the internal preparation step, the healthcare institution formally requests an external assessment. The NCC assessment team will then visit the healthcare institution to carry out a comprehensive assessment, which involves:
Interviews The assessment team conducts interviews with managers, healthcare professionals, and other staff to understand the institution’s processes and practices.
On-Site Observation: The team performs on-site observations to assess the condition of the facilities, verify compliance with safety protocols, and observe care procedures in action.
Documentation Analysis: The assessment also includes a thorough review of various documents, such as patient records, training records, internal policies, and procedures.
4. Assessment Report
After the on-site visit, the NCC assessment team will compile a detailed report summarizing their findings. The report will highlight areas of compliance and identify any areas that require improvement. This report is then sent to ONA and to the healthcare institution for review.
5. Accreditation Rating
Based on the assessment report, ONA rates the healthcare institution into different accreditation levels:
• Level 1 (Accredited): The institution meets the basic safety and quality requirements.
• Level 2 (Fully Accredited): In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the institution demonstrates integrated and continuous quality management processes.
• Level 3 (Accredited with Excellence): The institution exhibits a high level of maturity in process management, consistently achieving excellent results in all areas assessed.
6. Action and Improvement Plan
If the institution does not reach the desired accreditation level or if any non-conformities are identified during the assessment, it must create an action plan to address and correct these deficiencies. Accreditation can be reassessed after the necessary improvements have been implemented.
7. Re-evaluation and Maintenance of Accreditation
ONA accreditation is valid for two or three years, depending on the level of accreditation granted. During this period, the institution undergoes maintenance assessments to ensure the continuous application of quality and safety practices. At the end of the accreditation period, the institution must undergo a complete reassessment to renew its accreditation.
8. Benefits of Accreditation
Being accredited by ONA offers various benefits to healthcare institutions, such as:
• Continuous Improvement: Encourages the adoption of a culture focused on continuous process and quality enhancement.
• Patient Confidence: Increases the confidence of patients and the community in the quality of the services provided.
• Recognition: Provides formal, national recognition of the institution’s commitment to quality and safety.
In summary, the ONA accreditation assessment is a rigorous and systematic process that ensures healthcare institutions in Brazil operate at the highest standards of quality and safety, benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals.
Count on NCC for this process!