28.12.23

ISO 7101 for more quality in healthcare

Lack of financial resources, demographic change, shortage of skilled workers - the challenges in the healthcare sector are manifold. ISO 7101 is the first standard for quality management in hospitals, medical practices and care facilities. It defines the requirements for sustainable, high-quality healthcare facilities.

In an environment where the healthcare industry is faced with increasing regulations, rising costs and a growing number of people in need of care due to an ageing population, effective quality management is more important than ever. This article looks at the challenges facing the healthcare sector and highlights the vital role of quality management.

Current challenges in the healthcare sector:
Rising healthcare costs
Legal compliance
Patient satisfaction
Labor shortage
Demographic change

Solutions for the healthcare sector

The challenges of healthcare management require a proactive approach and strategic planning. The ISO 7101 standard on the management of healthcare organizations will play a crucial role in defining high-quality healthcare services and systems. This pioneering standard supports organizations in coping with the complex tasks in the healthcare sector. It emphasizes the need for timely, safe, person-centered care and points to the urgency of adapting to the increase in virtual healthcare and technological advances. The flexibility of the standard ensures that it can be applied to different healthcare providers – from small clinics to large hospitals.

Advantages of the standard at a glance:

• Creating a culture of quality, with strong top management as the starting point

• Aiming for a healthcare system that puts people at the center of care and is based on respect, compassion, co-production, justice and dignity
• Risk identification and management
• Ensuring patient and occupational safety
• Managing service delivery through documented processes and information
• Monitoring and evaluation of clinical and non-clinical performance
• Continuous improvement of processes and outcomes

Legal obligations and administrative effort

This international standard does not take precedence over legal obligations. Although a minimum level of documentation is essential, the main objective is to establish transparent processes without burdening the organization with administrative tasks.

Global cooperation for health

The ISO 7101 standard contributes to the United Nations’ overarching Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It ensures that resources are used efficiently, improves access to healthcare and promotes transparency and accountability within healthcare systems – all fundamental principles of the SDGs. In principle, quality management at healthcare organizations is in line with the overarching goal of the SDGs to create a more sustainable, equitable and healthy global society.

Sources and further information:

• ISO | ISO 7101:2023 Healthcare organization management
• ISO | Healthcare management: Delivering quality to the health industry
• SNV-Normenshop | ISO 7101