Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions in Kosovo – Challenges and Opportunities

Session

Medicine and Nursing

Description

Accreditation of healthcare institutions represent one of the key mechanisms for ensuring and improving the quality of healthcare services. In Kosovo, this process is still evolving and faces numerous challenges such as lack of human resources, limited infrastructure, and a low level of institutional preparedness. Aim - The aim of this study is to assess the perceptions and views of healthcare institutions in Kosovo regarding the accreditation process, by identifying the main challenges and opportunities that this process may bring for the further development of the healthcare system. Methodology - An electronic questionnaire was designed and distributed to public and private healthcare institutions in Kosovo. The questionnaire included both structured and open-ended questions, aiming to collect their opinions, experiences, and recommendations regarding accreditation. The data collected from 230 subjects were analyzed descriptively and thematically, identifying key trends and common points. Results - Out of 230 institutions, 72.6% were from the private sector and 22.4% from the public sector. A total of 90% of them were interested in accreditation, while 93.3% requested support or assistance for the accreditation process. Regarding who should conduct the accreditation, 40% of the institutions stated that this process should be carried out by the Ministry, 32.2% by a local accreditation agency or center, while 27.8% believed it should be done by an international agency or board contracted by the Ministry. Conclusions - The accreditation process in Kosovo is perceived both as a challenge and as an opportunity. Challenges are mainly related to the lack of resources, limited organizational capacities, and the need for institutional support. On the other hand, opportunities brought by accreditation include the standardization of services, improvement of the quality of healthcare, and the establishment of a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. To achieve success, stronger commitment from policymakers, continuous training, and technical support for healthcare institutions are essential.

Keywords:

Accreditation, Kosovo, challenges, opportunities, healthcare institutions

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.370

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions in Kosovo – Challenges and Opportunities

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Accreditation of healthcare institutions represent one of the key mechanisms for ensuring and improving the quality of healthcare services. In Kosovo, this process is still evolving and faces numerous challenges such as lack of human resources, limited infrastructure, and a low level of institutional preparedness. Aim - The aim of this study is to assess the perceptions and views of healthcare institutions in Kosovo regarding the accreditation process, by identifying the main challenges and opportunities that this process may bring for the further development of the healthcare system. Methodology - An electronic questionnaire was designed and distributed to public and private healthcare institutions in Kosovo. The questionnaire included both structured and open-ended questions, aiming to collect their opinions, experiences, and recommendations regarding accreditation. The data collected from 230 subjects were analyzed descriptively and thematically, identifying key trends and common points. Results - Out of 230 institutions, 72.6% were from the private sector and 22.4% from the public sector. A total of 90% of them were interested in accreditation, while 93.3% requested support or assistance for the accreditation process. Regarding who should conduct the accreditation, 40% of the institutions stated that this process should be carried out by the Ministry, 32.2% by a local accreditation agency or center, while 27.8% believed it should be done by an international agency or board contracted by the Ministry. Conclusions - The accreditation process in Kosovo is perceived both as a challenge and as an opportunity. Challenges are mainly related to the lack of resources, limited organizational capacities, and the need for institutional support. On the other hand, opportunities brought by accreditation include the standardization of services, improvement of the quality of healthcare, and the establishment of a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. To achieve success, stronger commitment from policymakers, continuous training, and technical support for healthcare institutions are essential.