Abstract
Hospital accreditation programs are globally recognized as an important tool for enhancing quality and safety in health care; however, many programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are discontinued shortly after their establishment. This scoping review synthesized published evidence on factors influencing the establishment and sustainability of hospital accreditation programs in LMICs, to provide guidance to health stakeholders involved in these processes. Six databases were searched using the terms "accreditation," "health," "hospital," and the country list of LMICs. Screening was undertaken collaboratively for validation. A framework to guide data extraction was developed by amalgamating eight existing classifications, theories, models, and frameworks concerning policy diffusion and implementation. The framework comprised the following domains: antecedent influences (A), contextual factors (C), establishment factors (E), standards, surveyors, stimulants (incentives), and survey-related factors (S-4S), governance (G), legislation (L), execution (implementation; E), and assessment and monitoring (AM), forming the ACES-GLEAM framework. Thirty-two sources were identified, with an increasing publication trend over time. The included studies reported upon a broad range of patterns, innovations, influencers, enablers, and barriers concerning accreditation program establishment in LMICs. Key questions emerged, including the degree of government involvement, incorporation of international standards versus development of bespoke standards, the use of local versus external surveyors, the use of financial and other incentives to promote engagement, and mandatory versus voluntary approaches of program implementation. Resource constraints were recognized as the most important barriers to sustainable establishment, while the influence of global accreditation and donor agencies were viewed as presenting both positive and negative impacts. Health stakeholders are encouraged to reflect upon and apply the ACES-GLEAM framework, incorporating the guiding principles outlined in this paper, to help establish hospital accreditation programs in LMICs in a way that facilitates sustainability and effectiveness over time.