Supplementary Material for: Influence of the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions on the Performance of Healthcare Institutions: A Systematic Review

Background The Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) grants accreditation certificates to all governmental and private healthcare institutions operating in Saudi Arabia. Previous studies have identified gaps in knowledge and research on the impact of CBAHI accreditation programs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of accreditation programs on the performance of healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia.
Methods This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) model was used to improve and enhance the search strategy. The search was designed with the help of an information specialist. The databases used for the search included Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE via Ovid, and Embase via Elsevier. A standardized form (initially piloted on five included studies) was used to extract the characteristics, outcomes, and risks of bias of the studies. The risk of bias was assessed using JBI tools.
Results The 17 studies included indicated that accreditation benefited patient safety and quality of care. We found that ninety-five percent of the studies included revealed a positive impact from accreditation programs and standards, and that these benefits existed before, during, and after accreditation. Overall, these studies collectively advocated for the effective implementation of the CBAHI accreditation program as an essential component of enhancing healthcare quality and the healthcare system.
Conclusion Accreditation programs and the development of CBAHI standards have proven beneficial for healthcare providers, patients, healthcare systems, and overall healthcare quality and safety in Saudi Arabia. The findings of our analysis supported the idea that compliance with accreditation programs and standards has numerous benefits in terms of increasing healthcare institutions’ performance.