Evaluation of the Indicators of Quality and Safety Using the Global Models of Pharmacy Accreditation in Iranian Pharmacies

Background &

 Utilizing optimal accreditation methods in pharmacies could improve quality and safety. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality and safety indicators of Iranian pharmacies based on the global models of pharmacy accreditation.

 The first phase of the study was exploratory, followed by descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional, analytical stages using the structural equation modeling technique. A regular search was conducted in databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, websites of other reputable organizations (WHO), and pharmacy accreditation organizations using various keywords, including accreditation program, pharmacy, quality, safety, model, and their Persian equivalents. In total, 1,217 sources and studies were identified, 199 of which were relevant to the research subject. Based on the objectives of the study, the identified sources were refined, and 10 models were finally analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. In addition, exploratory factor analysis was performed in SPSS, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed in the AMOS software. The validity and reliability of the model were evaluated for the sample size of 300.

 The quality and safety indicators were determined to be professional ethics, correct principles of medication, quality improvement programs, monitoring of quality improvement programs and improvement of the results, safety programs, error reporting, and monitoring of safety programs.

 Our study could be considered a tool to improve the performance of pharmacies.