What is a common barrier to achieving and maintaining accreditation?

Limited resources or funding for quality improvement initiatives is a significant barrier to achieving and maintaining accreditation because these initiatives often require investment in personnel, training, technology, and time. Accreditation bodies typically have rigorous standards that must be met, which can necessitate ongoing and sometimes substantial financial support for quality improvement projects, staff education, and infrastructure upgrades. When organizations lack the resources, it becomes challenging to implement the necessary changes and maintain compliance with the accreditation requirements.

On the other hand, excessive standard operating procedures can complicate processes but do not inherently limit an organization's ability to achieve accreditation. Strong leadership support for accreditation generally fosters a culture of quality and compliance, which is beneficial for accreditation efforts. High levels of community engagement can also enhance an organization's reputation and commitment to quality care, thus facilitating the accreditation process rather than hindering it.