Experts including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory specialists, infection control practitioners, biomedical engineers, administrators and public policy makers representing all health sectors in Saudi Arabia have actively guided the development of this third edition of the National Hospital Standards. Several professional bodies have assisted as well with the development and refinement of the standards.
The Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) standards primarily aim to improve patient safety and the quality of care across all healthcare facilities in the Kingdom. It is the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions that CBAHI represents, and it is responsible for the national-level hospital, clinic, and other medical institution standards. This article presents the most important conceptual aspects of CBAHI standards, responding to such important questions as What does CBAHI stand for? How many CBAHI standards are there?, and What are CBAHI values?
CBAHI was established in 2005 as its very first priority to set the benchmark of healthcare quality for which all health services in the country are judged.
WHAT DOES CBAHI STAND FOR?
CBAHI At A Glance
The Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) is the official agency authorized to grant accreditation certificates to all governmental and private healthcare facilities operating today in Saudi Arabia. CBAHI has emerged from the Saudi Health Council as a non-profit organization. The principal function of CBAHI is to set the healthcare quality and patient safety standards against which all healthcare facilities are evaluated for evidence of compliance.
Evolution of CBAHI:
Foundation
The foundation of CBAHI dates back to 2001 as Makkah Region Quality Program (MRQP), an initiative aimed at improving quality of healthcare delivery in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia.
Expansion
In 2005, by a Ministerial Order, MRQP was advanced and named as Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) and its jurisdiction was expanded to the whole country.
National Standards
In 2006, with the help of healthcare quality experts from the public and private sectors of Saudi Arabia, CBAHI developed the first set of national standards for hospitals.
ISQua accreditation
In 2012, CBAHI’s 2nd edition of national standards for hospitals was certified by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua).
CBAHI accreditation becomes compulsory
In late 2013, when a Cabinet of Ministers Decree called for changing CBAHI’s official name to the “Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions”, it also mandated the national accreditation by CBAHI on all healthcare facilities. In addition, the Ministry of Health is mandating CBAHI accreditation as a prerequisite for renewal of the operating license – a step towards encouraging more participation in this ambitious national initiative.
Mandatory status of CBAHI accreditation:
It is mandatory for all public and private healthcare delivery facilities (hospitals, polyclinics, blood banks and medical laboratories) in Saudi Arabia to comply with national standards set by CBAHI and obtain its accreditation through a survey process set forth by it.
CBAHI'S VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES
Vision, Mission and Values
CBAHI Vision
To become the regional leader in improving healthcare quality and safety.
CBAHI Mission
To promote quality and safety by supporting healthcare facilities to continuously comply with accreditation standards.
Their key values are:
EXCELLENCE:
- We do not accept anything below excellence in the work that we do. This entails a tireless commitment to conceptualizing and applying creativity, innovation, modern technology, and attracting highly-qualified and talented individuals to work with us.
TEAM SPIRIT:
- Our associates work with each other as well as with the healthcare facilities as a single harmonious, coherent, and collaborative team that has the shared goal of improving healthcare as stipulated in our vision and mission.
INTEGRITY:
- We are committed to honesty, transparency, and admission of any mistakes without equivocation. We strive to conduct our work in accordance with defined laws and regulations, avoiding conflict of interest or concealment of the truth, whether being in direct attendance or not.
PROFESSIONALISM:
- We see professional behavior as a synonym to courteousness and respect for our partners, whether they be individuals or organizations. This professionalism encompasses data and information confidentiality, doing the right thing right from the first time, and ensuring maximum accuracy and objectivity during assessment visits.
HOW MANY CBAHI STANDARDS ARE THERE?
CBAHI has drawn up full national standards that determine the finest measurable, realizable, and assessable performance expectations for healthcare facilities.
These standards are divided into three major types that include structure standards, activity and procedure standards, and outcome standards.
Structure Standards:
Dealing with the hospital beds, manpower, building design, availability of personal protective equipment, and equipment as well as supplies are the kinds of inputs of the system that are covered by these standards.
Activity and Procedure Standards (Procedural):
The focus will be mainly on clinical and administrative activities that are used in patient care and hospital management and this may include patient assessment, education, as well as medication administration.
Outcome Standards:
Regarding the healthcare services themselves, the results are checked for various aspects, like patient recovery rates, infection rates, and patient satisfaction levels.
KEY FEATURES OF CBAHI STANDARDS
If you are wondering about the key features of CBAHI standards, here is an overview of what makes them indispensable for healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia:
Mandatory Compliance:
The regulation of the CBAHI acceptance class is a must for all healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia and that is why there is an identical level of service provision for the whole country. CBAHI Portal
Evidence-Based Development:
Standards were formulated by peer experts and are based on the very best practices tailor-made to the context of the Saudi healthcare system.
Comprehensive Evaluation:
Centers are checked for implementation of these standards to ensure they perform at required levels, which involves focusing on their structures, processes, and outcomes.
BENEFITS OF CBAHI ACCREDITATION
CBAHI accreditation is directly associated with many benefits to healthcare institutions:
Enhanced Patient Safety:
Adherence to rules and set measures helps in reducing possible complications and thus guarantees safe care of high quality.
Operational Efficiency:
Standard procedures ensure effective management and control of resources.
International Recognition:
CBAHI has proven its standards well internationally; hence, careered manufacturers get immediate credibility for being certified.
STEPS TO ACHIEVE CBAHI ACCREDITATION
Here are the main steps to be CBAHI certified:
Registration:
Healthcare facilities must register with CBAHI by completing the Healthcare Facility Registration Form that is available on CBAHI's homepage.
Preparation and Training:
The facilities can use resources such as the National Standards for Hospitals and the Hospital Accreditation Guide from CBAHI
Self-Assessment:
Find out what the SAT or Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) from CBAHI is, and use it to assess the hospital according to the benchmarks from the survey of self-assessment for a hospital.
Survey Application:
Submit a completed Survey Application Form and Service Agreement to request a survey.
On-Site Survey:
Schedule an on-site assessment of your health facility by the CBAHI survey team to ensure compliance with the set standards.
Continuous Monitoring:
Comply and follow through with the standards with the help of periodic reviews.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF CBAHI STANDARDS
CBAHI is striving for continuous enhancement and innovation in healthcare accreditation. Prospects for the next updates may be about the upcoming technology that will include digital health and telemedicine, which will allow for the improvement of healthcare quality and patient safety in Saudi Arabia.
EXTERNAL WORKSHOPS AND COURSES FOR CBAHI STANDARDS
In addition to CBAHI's internal training programs, several external organizations offer specialized workshops and courses to help healthcare professionals and institutions meet CBAHI standards. One highly recommended resource is the CBAHI Accreditation Orientation Workshop provided by Quality Leaders Academy.
This comprehensive workshop is tailored for those looking to deepen their understanding of CBAHI accreditation.
It covers the key concepts of the accreditation process, providing six online sessions of four hours each, with detailed discussions and practical insights. The course also offers access to recorded sessions and handouts, making it a flexible learning option for busy professionals.
By enrolling in this workshop, healthcare facilities can ensure they are well-prepared to meet the national standards set by CBAHI.
CBAHI standards have transformed the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that every patient receives safe, high-quality care. By setting benchmarks for excellence, CBAHI empowers healthcare facilities to strive for continuous improvement and global recognition.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider or a patient, understanding CBAHI standards means recognizing the importance of safety, quality, and innovation in every aspect of care.
Read also:
Resources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10641268/?utm_source
https://portal.cbahi.gov.sa/english/patient-safety/essential-safety-requirements
https://portal.cbahi.gov.sa/english/about-us/cbahi-at-a-glance