The Impact of the CBAHI Accreditation on Patient Outcomes: Evidence from Two Hospitals in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Background The Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) was introduced in Saudi Arabia to enhance healthcare quality and patient safety. However, empirical evidence on its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes is scarce. Objectives To evaluate the impact of the CBAHI accreditation on hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission rates, assess seasonal variation in these outcomes, and explore healthcare workers’ perceptions of accreditation in different hospital settings. Methods A pre-post quantitative analysis was conducted using (Key Performance Indicators) KPIs data from a private hospital from 2019 to 2022, covering periods before, after, and one year post-CBAHI accreditation. Additionally, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 149 healthcare providers at a private and quasi-governmental hospital at the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia to determine staff perceptions of the impact of the accreditation on improving healthcare delivery. The English version of the questionniare is provided in Appendix 1. Results A statistically significant reduction in LOS was observed after accreditation (p < .001), though the 30-day readmission rates increased slightly (p = .027). No significant seasonal variation was found. Survey results revealed mixed perceptions of accreditation, with higher engagement and perceived benefits reported by semi-government hospital staff and those with bachelor’s degrees. Conclusion The CBAHI accreditation appears to improve LOS but has a limited impact on readmission rates. Healthcare providers’ perceptions vary according to hospital type and involvement in the accreditation process. These insights may guide future improvements in accreditation practices and implementation strategies.