The Joint Commission has crafted a new mission/vision statement intended to more clearly explain the organization's goals and values, according to an official announcement by the accrediting organization.
The Board of Commissioners approved the new statement at its August 7, 2009 meeting.
According to its mission statement, The Joint commission strives "to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value."
The board also approved a vision statement, stating that people should "always experience the safest, highest quality, best-value healthcare across all settings."
"I applaud the Joint Commission for the fervor evident in the new mission statement and am pleased the statement demonstrates a desire to collaborate with key stakeholders," says Marsha Barnden, MSN, RNC, director clinical processes and standards at Adventist Health. "While this is an essential component, I have to say that the most impressive change is stating the desire to inspire healthcare organizations to excel."
Being a former Joint Commission surveyor herself, Barnden says the most successful surveys are often those that the team has "worked hard to ensure the process is consultative, collegial, and educational."
"I do have some concerns, however, about a vision that includes 'all' people 'always' experiencing the safest and highest quality care across 'all' settings because it seems a lofty and unrealistic goal," says Barnden.
"On the other hand, why not reach for the stars—perfection never hurts," she adds.