THE EFFECT OF JCI (JOINT COMMISION INTERNATIONAL) ON PATIENTS COMING FROM ABROAD IN THE CONTEXT OF HEALTH TOURISM

To evaluate the effect of the JCI quality document on the potential of patients coming from abroad in these cope of health tourism from the point of view of administrators Importance: Studies examining the effects of JCI on health tourism are limited, the geographical position of our country is suitable for tourism, and there are new policies in the health sector. For these reasons we were motivated to conduct this study. The opinions of 60 administrators working in different positions in Group 4 A, JCI certificated hospitals on the Anatolian side of Istanbul were evaluated. The study was carried out over two months between February and March. For the reliability of collecting instruments, the value of Cronbach alpha was calculated and found to be 0.93. Thus, the survey had internal consistency. Validity analyses were conducted. It was established that the data were compatible with normal distributions, and parametric significance tests were used. 80% of those participating in the study were females and 20% males. 30% were in the 20 -29 age group; 53% between 30 -39; and 16.7% between 40-49. 65% were married. 36.7% had Bachelor’s degrees; 25% had tertiary training; 20% had postgraduate degrees; and 18.3% were high school graduates. 40 % had 1-5 years of service in the institute, 36.7 %, 6 - 10 years; 16.7%, less than one year; and 6.7%, more than 10 years. 43.3 % worked as middle level managers; 36.7 as middle level managers and 20% as top level managers. There is an inconclusive attitude about whether JCI is cost effective. In terms of JCI to the cost effectiveness, most administrators were undecided. The managers remained uncertain about whether better communication would be made between health professionals and the patients and their families and whether patients and their families would participate in all processes. Administrators were undecided about time loss occurring in the course of patient care. Administrators agreed with the view that JCI provided an image of international reliability and competitiveness.