Inflammatory bowel disease integral care units: Evaluation of a nationwide quality certification programme. The GETECCU experience

Background One of the most valued targets in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is for physicians to provide and patients to receive a high-level quality of care. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of a nationwide quality certification programme for IBD units. Methods Identification of quality indicators (QI) for IBD Unit certification was based on Delphi methodology that selected 53 QI, which were subjected to a normalisation process. Selected QI were then used in the certification process. Coordinated by GETECCU, this process began with a consulting round and an audit drill followed by a formal audit carried out by an independent certifying agency. This audit involved the scrutiny of the selected QI in medical records. If 80%-90% compliance was achieved, the IBD unit audited received the qualification of advanced, and if it exceeded 90% the rating was excellence. Afterwards, an anonymous survey was conducted among certified units to assess satisfaction with the programme for IBD units. Results As of January 2021, 66 IBD units adhere to the nationwide certification programme. Among the 53 units already audited by January 2021, 31 achieved the certification of excellence, 20 the advanced certification, and two did not obtain the certification. The main survey results indicated high satisfaction with an average score of 8.5 out of 10. Conclusion Certification of inflammatory bowel disease units by GETECCU is the largest nationwide certification programme for IBD units reported. More than 90% of IBD units adhered to the programme achieved the certification.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the implementation of a nationwide quality certification programme for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) units. A total of 66 IBD units adhere to the certification programme, with 31 achieving excellence certification and 20 achieving advanced certification among those already audited. High satisfaction was reported with an average score of 8.5 out of 10 in the survey conducted among certified units.