A Comparative Study of the Iran Ministry of Health Patient and Family Education Standards with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

Introduction: According to role of patient and family education in the process of patient care, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has considered the patient and family education standards in the hospital accreditation program; on the otherwise conducted researches show that the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) hospital standards are not complete. We conducted this study to be aware of MOHME patient and family education standards. Methods: In this descriptive - comparative study the joint commission patient and family education standards (10 statements) were compared with hospital standards of Iran Health Ministry (4 statements). Using available information through internet, e-mail and referrals to related references was the method of data gathering. Data gathering was carried out through checklist, on the basis of patient and family education standards. Data analysis was done through descriptive statistical methods. Results: The comparative rate of the Health Ministry’s hospital standards with joint commission patient and family education standards were 0% completely, 40 % partially and 60 % with out adaptability. Conclusion: Findings showed that there was a gap in Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education hospital standards for patient and family education. Then compiling of patient and family education standards is essential.Keywords: Reference Standards; Patient Education; Health.