DOP22 Certification of integral care IBD Units: Evaluation of a certification program (CUE)

Background Spanish inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) group (GETECCU) mission is to promote healthcare, teaching and research of excellence. Our vision is to establish standards of quality of care and generate a mark of excellence and reliability for IBD patients and the different agents involved in all its processes. The aim of this study was evaluate the impact of a program for certification of IBD units (CUE program). Methods Identification of quality indicator for certification of IBD Units was based on CUE Delphy methodology that finally selected 53 quality indicators (12 structure, 37 process and 4 results), which were subjected to a normalisation process (Calvet X et al. JCC 2014; 8: 240–51). This process consisted of face-to-face protocoled meetings with a committee of experts that proceeded to defined/justified the use of each indicator considering objectiveness and the measure of compliance. Applications for certification in the program are made voluntarily through the GETECCU secretariat. From GETECCU, the candidate units are counselled through a consulting round before an audit drill and finally, the formal audit carried out by an independent certifying agency. This audit consists of the review of all selected indicators and includes a review of 40 random medical records. If 80–90% compliance is achieved, the qualification of ‘advanced’ is obtained and the unit is re-certified in 2 years. If it exceeds 90%, the rating is ‘excellence’ and the unit has to be re-certified in 3 years. An anonymous survey was conducted among certified units to assess satisfaction with the program Results The CUE program started in 2017. As of November 2019, there are 53 IBD units adhered to the certification nationwide program, of which 42 have already been audited and 40 certified. Twenty-three units achieved the qualification of excellence (56%), 17 achieved an advanced qualification and 5% had not passed the certification. The remaining 11 are currently in the process of being audited. After an IBD Unit achieve the certification an act of official delivery is carried out with the presence of patient associations, public care authorities and the board of GETECCU. Results are published in the State Official Gazette. Survey main results were the average perceived improvement, averaged as 8.5, out of 10. The most important aspect of improvement is data recording followed by health and patient satisfaction results Conclusion The establishment of quality standards certification programmes in multidisciplinary units improves the quality of care offered to IBD patients. The acceptance among the health community for adherence to these projects is very high despite being voluntary. The support of patient associations and managers is essential to value these types of projects