Accreditation Program Significantly Enhances Surgical Quality in Hospitals, Study Finds

A recent comprehensive study highlights the vital role of accreditation processes in elevating surgical standards across U.S. hospitals. Between 2017 and 2023, approximately 800 hospitals achieved accreditation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) through programs dedicated to refining surgical care quality. The research reveals that while initially, about 40% of these hospitals did not meet accreditation criteria, the majority successfully attained standards after reapplication and remediation efforts. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, emphasizes that accreditation is more than a mere formality; it acts as a critical quality filter that fosters continuous improvement.

Lead researcher Dr. Brett Johnson, MD, MS, from Baylor University Medical Center, stated, "Accreditation is not just a badge of honor; it’s a rigorous process that pushes hospitals to level up their standards. Almost all hospitals that addressed their deficiencies went on to succeed, demonstrating that the system works effectively."

The study analyzed 833 site visits spanning from 2017 to 2023, involving seven ACS Quality Programs, including oncology, breast care, rectal cancer, metabolic and bariatric surgery, trauma, children’s surgery, and geriatric surgery. Over the years, participation in these programs grew to more than 2,300 hospitals.

Key findings include that 61% of hospitals passed initial accreditation, with success rates varying from 31% in some programs like NAPRC and CSV, to as high as 86% in MBSAQIP. Common deficiencies related to staffing and clinical care protocols, particularly in resource management and patient care standards. Importantly, among hospitals eligible for reevaluation, 80% achieved accreditation on second attempts, and after remediating deficiencies, the success rate increased to 94%.

Dr. Johnson stressed, "The fact that many hospitals fail initially underscores how demanding the standards are. However, the process catalyzes quality improvement, ultimately improving patient outcomes." The study reinforces that adherence to evidence-based standards through external peer review and ongoing quality improvement efforts enhances surgical care quality.

Senior author Dr. Clifford Y. Ko commented, "Our research quantifies the value of accreditation—not just as an assessment, but as a journey toward better care. Hospitals can leverage this process to continually enhance their quality metrics and patient safety." Looking forward, the study advocates for further research on how accreditation impacts patient survival, complication rates, and long-term compliance, as well as systemic barriers to wider adoption.

The findings demonstrate that accreditation programs serve as essential tools in the ongoing effort to deliver high-quality surgical care across diverse healthcare settings.