The fifth edition of the International Accreditation Standards for Hospitals was recently released by Joint Commission International (JCI).

Written for a global audience, the standards address patient safety and quality of care at hospitals and academic medical centres. The JCI has also accredited more than 575 health organizations in 56 countries.

The latest edition features new and updated standards and measurable elements that take effect in April 2014. JCI surveyors and consultants help focus groups in 16 countries, interviewed hospital CEOs and did online reviews with health care professionals to create the updates.

The fifth edition has a greater focus on the use of medical technology, supply chain integrity, handover communications in patient care, infectious disease management and creating and maintaining a safety culture.

The JCI updates the Standards every three years, which is published as an e-book in nine languages.