Accreditation of Rheumatology Programs in the Arab World

Accreditation of rheumatology programs remains uncommon in the Arab world. It represents a formal process for recognizing excellence in the care of patients with rheumatic diseases and for promoting quality improvement in clinical practice. Several international accreditation models exist, including those offered by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR), the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), and Joint Commission International (JCI). In this chapter, the authors review these accreditation models and describe their experience in achieving JCI Clinical Care Program Certification for four rheumatology programs (ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis) at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. This accreditation represents one of the early examples of rheumatology program certification outside the United States and may serve as a model for hospitals in Arab countries seeking similar accreditation. Finally, we outline essential steps for achieving successful accreditation.