Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC) – Beirut is committed to providing high-quality, reliable, safe, and personalized care
Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC) – Beirut is a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East renowned for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. JCI accreditation plays a crucial role in guiding CMC towards achieving performance excellence through evidence-based standards. “Hospitals” magazine had the chance to interview Mr. Tarek Abughazaleh, Chief Operating Officer at Clemenceau Medical Center, who talked about the significance of international accreditation for healthcare institutions and the role of accreditation in improving patient safety and quality of care.
What is the significance of international accreditation for healthcare institutions? Which specific international accreditation standards is Clemenceau Medical Center striving to meet?
Achieving International Accreditation is vital in assuring that hospitals and their patients benefit from numerous standards:
- Reducing variability and minimizing patient safety risks.
- Improving clinical and operational processes while building staff competencies and a knowledge base for leading practices.
- Connecting the accredited organization with like-minded healthcare institutions around the world and facilitating knowledge-sharing and best practices.
- Enabling differentiation in a competitive healthcare environment by pursuing a commitment to safety across the spectrum of care.
- Attracting, securing, and retaining the best talent who are committed to delivering quality care and patient safety.
Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC) acquired its initial Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) in 2009 by implementing the requirements of the 3rd edition of the Hospitals Standards.
The Joint Commission International Hospital Standards are intended to promote continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in daily performance and in the outcomes of patient care.
Since 2009, CMC is committed to maintain this accreditation through the triennial survey occurring every 3 years.
Each successful reaccreditation ensures compliance with the most current edition of the JCI standards at the time. CMC fulfilled its 6th Reaccreditation in January 2024 against the 7th Standards Edition and is already in process of reviewing and implementing the 8th Edition Standards, that was released on July 2024. I have no doubt that we will achieve our 7th Reaccreditation survey in January 2027 based on these new standards.
Based on your experience, how does accreditation contribute to improving patient safety and quality of care?
Accreditation is a key component in patient safety, and JCI is uniquely positioned to help hospitals through its evidence-based standards by providing the roadmap to building essential processes to achieve performance excellence and improve patient safety. This roadmap draws the bi-directional communication strategy between the Top Management and the Healthcare Providers, which is an essential aspect of CMC’s Safety Culture.
CMC is committed to providing high quality, highly reliable, safe and personalized care to its patients. Thus, by setting a multidisciplinary team approach, in-hospital teams from different disciplines (e.g. nursing staff, nurses’ aids, surgeons, technicians, anesthesiologists, attending physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, allied healthcare providers and others) work together in coordination with the Quality & Patient Safety Team to implement the seven Patient-Centered Standards. The aim is to limit adverse events (AE), improve outcomes, and add to patient and employee satisfaction.
CMC’s Top Management and the Quality & Patient Safety Team follow through the Healthcare Organization Management Standards, by implementing the “Governance, Leadership and Direction” (GLD) and the “Quality Improvement and Patient Safety” (QPS) chapters, showing our commitment and support to continuous Quality Improvement and optimizing Patient Safety. In healthcare, Quality and Patient Safety is not static. The continuous evaluation and amendments of our major safety plans, policies and processes (derived from the most current JCI Standards and evidence-based guidelines) has kept CMC a leader in Quality & Patient Safety Initiatives.
What were the primary challenges faced by the center during the international accreditation process? How were these obstacles overcome?
The constant State of Readiness for JCI Accreditation has been embedded into CMC Culture since our initial survey in 2009.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Gaza War presented challenges during our last two Reaccreditation surveys in January 2021 and January 2024 respectively.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 5th Reaccreditation was led in January 2021 as an all-virtual survey, with no surveyors on-site at our premises. All survey activities were conducted using remote video and audio technology through Zoom. The survey locations had access to high-speed internet, computers, cameras and advanced sound systems.
Changing from an on-site to virtual survey was difficult, but our IT Management & technical team had successfully overcome these challenges.
Due to the escalating war activity and increased travel security concerns for the JCI survey team, the virtual survey was repeated during our 6th Reaccreditation in January 2024.
Our team did a monumental effort in preparing for and overcoming the challenges faced during these difficult times.
What role do continuous quality improvement initiatives play in maintaining accreditation standards?
Continuous improvement initiatives foster a culture of ongoing evaluation and enhancement of healthcare quality and patient safety. By systematically identifying areas for improvement, implementing best practices and monitoring outcomes, healthcare organizations ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and more importantly address evolving patient needs.
These continuous initiatives also help identify potential gaps in service delivery, improving operational efficiencies and ensure that healthcare services meet the highest standards of care. Ultimately, continuous improvement supports long-term sustainability, enhances patient satisfaction and strengthens the overall quality of care.
How has international accreditation helped enhance the reputation of Clemenceau Medical Center regionally and internationally?
Successfully completing a rigorous accreditation process is a signal to patients that a Healthcare Organization has undergone an exacting performance assessment and met a robust series of qualifications in Patient Safety and Standard of Care.
International accreditation has significantly enhanced CMC’s reputation by validating its commitment to delivering high-quality patient-centered care.
Achieving internationally recognized standards, such as those set by organizations like JCI, underscores the hospital’s adherence to rigorous safety, quality and operational practices. This not only builds trust with patients, but also attracts top-tier healthcare professionals, fosters partnerships with global health organizations such as Johns Hopkins International, and positions CMC on the map as a leader in medical excellence in the Middle East.
CMC’s Key Achievements and Recognitions
- JCI Triennial Accreditations: Awarded multiple times, most recently in January 2024 (6th accreditation).
- IMTJ Medical Travel Awards: Multiple wins, including Excellence in Customer Service and International Cancer Centre of the Year (2019, 2020), and Best Use of Technology in Medical Tourism (2018, 2017) & Best Quality Initiative
- MTQUA Rankings: Ranked in the Top Ten World’s Best Hospitals for Medical Tourists multiple times (2017, 2018, 2019).
- Awards for Patient Care: Recognized with various awards for Patient/Family-Centered Care and Patient Safety, including The Language of Caring (2019).
- Technological and Architectural Recognition: Consistently ranked among the Most Technologically Advanced Hospitals and Most Architecturally Impressive Hospitals globally.
- International Certifications and Commendations: First Novalis Certified Radiosurgery Center in the Middle East (2018–2022); recognized for quality in pest management, CPR training, and more.
- Recognition for Excellence: Includes awards for Excellence in Imaging, Radiology, and Laboratory.
How has Clemenceau Medical Center leveraged technology to improve the quality of care and achieve accreditation?
By integrating state-of-the-art medical equipment and electronic medical records, CMC has streamlined patient care processes, improved Laboratory, Radiology and Cardiology diagnostic accuracy and efficiency and enhanced treatment outcomes such as radiotherapy treatments. The use of data analytics also supports informed decision-making and personalized treatment plans at CMC through the requisition of the advanced Incident and Risk Management system “RLDatix”.
Additionally, robust cybersecurity measures implemented at our hospital ensures patient data protection, while continuous staff training on emerging medical technologies helps maintain compliance with accreditation requirements.
How does accreditation influence patient outcomes, such as reducing mortality rates and enhancing patient satisfaction?
Accredited healthcare organizations are required to meet rigorous quality and safety standards which are directly linked to improved clinical outcomes.
These standards focus on evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines, effective care coordination and continuous monitoring of patient care processes and patient health outcomes, all of which contribute to reducing complications and mortality rates.
Additionally, accreditation emphasizes patient-centered care, fostering a positive healthcare experience, improving communication between patients and their healthcare providers and ensuring that patients receive timely and compassionate care.
As a result, CMC follows accreditation requirements as part of its daily function. We have the highest positive patient experience scores, improved treatment effectiveness, and better overall health outcomes.
What is the center’s future vision regarding quality and safety?
The future vision of CMC is centered on continuous innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery; that is linked to the hospital’s mission: “Caring, Safety, Excellence”.
CMC aims to further strengthen its commitment to patient-centered care by considering new international accreditations such as “Magnet” and “Planetree” designations, by adopting cutting-edge technologies, enhancing clinical protocols and integrating advanced data analytics.
CMC plans to hold regional and international Healthcare Quality and Safety conferences to share CMC’s quality initiatives and experiences with other healthcare centers and discuss new quality concepts published by international healthcare organizations and certification bodies such as NAHQ, ISQua, NIH and AHRQ.
A key focus will be on further reducing clinical risks, improving patient outcomes and enhancing patient experiences through the implementation of proven best practices, Artificial Intelligence systems, and ongoing staff education while ensuring continuous maturity in its already built culture of safety and accountability.