Intro
In an era of expanding globalization and increasing medical tourism, patient safety is more crucial than ever. Choosing an accredited medical facility is not just about assurance and confidence but also impacts the quality of care and the patient’s overall health outcome. This article will provide an in-depth understanding of accreditation and its significance, illuminate the risks associated with non-accredited facilities, and explain how to recognize trustworthy accreditation bodies.
Tragic Cases Highlight the Risks
The following stories highlight unfortunate incidents that have occurred as a result of medical tourism, sparking concerns over the safety and regulation of such practices
- The Associated Press reported that 93 Americans have died following cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic, with many fatalities linked to Brazilian butt lifts. This highlights significant risks associated with such procedures, including fat or blood clots leading to fatal complications like lung or bloodstream blockages.
- The Telegraph highlighted the alarming risks of traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery, citing at least 25 British citizens who died following procedures in Turkey in the past four years.
- The Turkish Minute reported the tragic death of a 20-year-old UK woman, Morgan Maria Ribeiro, following weight loss surgery in Turkey.
- According to WRTV in Indianapolis, a mother tragically died after cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic.
- A story in The New York Post shared the case of Shannyn Palmer, a 36-year-old mother from Vancouver, Washington, who traveled to Mexico for a "mommy makeover" surgery. Though not fatal, the procedure resulted in the amputation of her right thumb and left middle finger.
- NPR reported on the concerning outbreak of deadly, drug-resistant fungal meningitis in the United States among patients who underwent cosmetic surgery at clinics in Matamoros, Mexico. The disease attacks the brain stem with unusual intensity, leading to strokes, aneurysms, and fatal complications.
Understanding Accreditation and Its Importance
Healthcare accreditation is a process through which a healthcare organization or facility voluntarily undergoes an external evaluation to demonstrate that it meets certain predetermined standards of quality and safety set by an accrediting body. These standards typically cover several aspects of healthcare delivery, including patient care, safety, facilities management, staffing, and administrative procedures. In many parts of the world, including the US, these standards exceed the requirements set by the government. Accreditation serves several purposes:
- Quality Assurance: It validates that healthcare organizations adhere to recognized standards of quality and safety.
- Continuous Improvement: Accreditation processes often involve ongoing self-assessment and quality improvement, fostering a culture of continuous development within the organization.
- Public Confidence: Accreditation provides reassurance to patients, their families, and the public that the healthcare organization meets certain quality benchmarks and is committed to providing high-quality care.
- Regulatory Compliance: In many cases, accreditation may also be linked to regulatory requirements, with healthcare organizations required to meet accreditation standards to maintain licensure or certification.
The Risks of Non-Accredited Facilities
There is a wide array of inherent risks associated with non-accredited healthcare facilities. Often, these institutions lack a solid framework of established guidelines essential for maintaining patient care at its optimum level. Non-adherence to international standards can be a common issue, which can drastically affect the quality of care provided.
What is more, non-accredited facilities might not have robust quality improvement programs in place. These programs,typically present in accredited facilities, are designed to continuously elevate patient care standards, promoting an environment of safety and efficiency. The absence of such programs can lead to stagnation in the quality of care, which can, in turn, negatively impact patient outcomes.
Furthermore, safety protocols that are of paramount importance in patient care– such as infection control measures, medication management systems, and surgical safety procedures–- may be poorly implemented or entirely lacking in non-accredited facilities. These lapses potentially raise the risk of postoperative infections, medication errors, and surgical complications.
In the worst-case scenarios, such deficiencies in patient safety procedures and overall care can lead to fatal outcomes. Patients may face a higher risk of complications or even death when treated in a non-accredited facility. Choosing a healthcare facility is not a decision to be taken lightly; it requires careful consideration and should include affirmation of the facility’s accreditation status.
The Role of Medical Tourism Agencies
Medical tourism agencies are crucial intermediaries, connecting patients with global healthcare providers. Their influence on patient decisions underscores the importance of advocating for patient safety and quality care by exclusively partnering with accredited healthcare providers. Beyond promoting services abroad, these agencies have a responsibility to diligently vet recommended healthcare facilities, focusing on accreditation to confirm adherence to international standards.
Patients seeking overseas treatment must research the reputation of medical tourism agencies and their approach to accreditation. Agencies must go beyond using internal safety checklists, which are a good start but insufficient to truly test compliance. It is vital to choose agencies that prioritize recognized accreditation over mere convenience and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the agency's policy for unforeseen complications or emergencies during treatment abroad is paramount. Partnering with agencies that prioritize quality and safety contributes significantly to securing safe and efficient healthcare, emphasizing these agencies' pivotal role in advocating for accredited facilities and enhancing overall patient satisfaction.
Despite the growing trend of traveling overseas for cosmetic procedures, the fact remains that there are no universal laws regulating medical malpractice in certain countries, nor is there a governing body for patients to address concerns within medical tourism. The lack of regulation creates a breeding ground for medical malpractice. Patients may be left with limited or no legal recourse if they suffer negligence-related harm.
QUAD A – The Global Accreditation Authority
Choosing a medical care institution, especially abroad, requires careful consideration of its accreditation status. Reputable accrediting bodies, like QUAD A, are a testament to the institution's dedication to high-quality health standards. Accreditation is a reliable measure of a healthcare institution's adherence to established safety measures, treatment efficacy, and an ongoing pledge to improve. Institutions certified by these agencies provide a high quality of patient care and safety, significantly reducing the potential for medical mishaps.
To provide care within a facility accredited by QUAD A, physicians and other providers are required to hold proper credentials. Additionally, they must meet ongoing education and training requirements. As part of the accreditation process, facilities must verify and provide documentation of staff credentials.
QUAD A, revered as the global authority in global healthcare accreditation, partners with healthcare facilities in over 12 countries to improve patient safety.
Before committing to a medical procedure abroad, it is crucial to confirm that the healthcare institution is accredited by one of these reputable agencies. Beware, as some facilities may falsely assert accreditation without having undergone the strict evaluation procedures of these entities, underscoring the need for thorough investigation and verification.
Opting for an accredited healthcare institution not only signifies a safer treatment option but also reflects the institution's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care and prioritizing patient safety. Therefore, when considering your healthcare options, particularly for treatment abroad, it is essential to prioritize the accreditation status of your chosen healthcare facility.
Foad Nahai is the former Maurice J. Jurkiewicz chair in Plastic Surgery and Professor of Surgery at the Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is past editor-in-chief and Editor Emeritus of Aesthetic Surgery Journal and the past president of several organizations including the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Chairman of the Plastic Surgery Research Council. Professor Nahai has published over 300 peer reviewed articles, edited or co-edited 15 textbooks, covering all aspects of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. Dr. Nahai has presented on and champions research that promotes and advances patient safety and positive outcomes through his work with the QUADA.
Professor Nahai is internationally recognized as an innovator in the field of plastic surgery, where he has developed and refined many aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
Professor Nahai has been invited to lecture and demonstrate plastic surgical procedures all over the world. In addition to numerous professional honors and awards, he is listed in the “Best Doctors in America” and has been listed in W Magazine as one of the top plastic surgeons in the world.
Professor Nahai is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and served 6 years as a Director of the Board. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has been honored by numerous organizations worldwide including Honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Thailand.
Since 1980, QUAD A (a non-profit, physician-founded and led global accreditation organization) has worked with thousands of healthcare facilities to standardize and improve the quality of healthcare they provide – believing that patient safety should always come first.
