Nurses’ Perceptions of Joint Commission International Accreditation on Patient Safety in Tertiary Care in South Korea: A Pilot Study

Objectives To explore nurses’ attitudes toward Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and its perceived impact on patient safety, as well as the perceived degree of implementation of the International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG), in tertiary care in South Korea. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted consisting of an online questionnaire (N = 76) and a semi-structured Skype interview (N = 5). Sampling focused on nurses working in South Korean tertiary hospitals with an aim to include representation from all ranges of experience. Descriptive statistics and descriptive correlation (Spearman’s ρ) analysis was performed to interpret the viewpoints and highlight potential correlations. Results An overarching positive attitude toward accreditation was found. Association between experience and attitude toward certification (ρ = .345, p = .002) and perceived positive impact of safety (ρ = .338, p = .003) were identified. Participants agreed that the IPSG have been implemented. Conclusions Achieving JCI accreditation is seen positively in South Korean tertiary care. Nurses revealed positive satisfaction with JCI accreditation. The IPSG have been implemented; however, there is room for improvement.