Author(s): Heidy Rico Fontalvo, Florentino Antonio Rico Calvano, Mario De La Puente, Elkyn Lugo Arias, Egna Avendano Cardenas
This study analyses whether clinics accredited by the Joint Commission International Hospital Program in ambulatory medical care protocols located in Latin America achieve a higher quality perception from foreign patients compared to others treated in non-accredited ones. The following quality perception variables under study are essential to achieve such accreditation: the length of an outpatient visit, follow-up attention, and a clear explanation of the medical condition identified by doctors to patients. In 236 patients, a t-test with Welch correction, chi-square test, Tau Kendall correlation coefficient, pre-test, post-test, supplemental questionnaire, and two focus groups was applied. Patients treated in accredited clinics had a greater perception of quality than those treated in non-accredited clinics. An unbalanced application of the three variables was discovered to have a detrimental impact on quality perception. The findings contribute to analyzing international health accreditations on the Latin American outpatient medical offer.