Health services accreditation standards for information management in Canada, New Zealand and USA: a comparative study

Abstract Background: Accreditation and evaluation play a critical role in quality management. In this regards health records are among the primary documents used by health care facilities to evaluate compliance with the standards set by accreditation agencies. Objective: To compare the strengths, weaknesses, and the general functionality of IM standards of three well-established accreditation agencies in Canada, USA and New Zealand. Method: This was a comparative-descriptive study in which the IM standards of Canada, USA and New Zealand were collected and investigated through the internet and e-mails during 2003-2004. Findings: The data indicated that the JCAHO has adopted maximum standards related to patient-specific information. The data also described that the CCHSA has regarded the most complete and suitable standards related to educational and staff development standards. Considering other data, the maximum standards related to achieving positive outcomes and making improvement has been adopted by the CCHSA and QHNZ. Conclusion: All together, the findings of this comparative study revealed that while the CCHSA and QHNZ have adopted the same standards with emphasis on information management planning standards and achieving positive outcomes, the strong points of JCAHO’s standards are patient specific information and evidence-based decision making.