Abstract :
Whatʹs all the buzz about ISO? What is ISO, and how could “manufacturing” standards possibly apply to health care, much less nursing?
The International Organization of Standardizationʹs (ISO) 9001:2000 Quality Management System provides structure to support quality nursing care. The key word is “structure”, a framework for the provision of quality nursing care. Should an organization choose to adopt this system or choose an accreditation body that requires it, this is a workable system for nursing. However, nursing would not adopt this as a stand-alone initiative. This article will introduce the ISO 9001:2000 Standards and give examples of how this management system can support the nursing process to its ultimate goal of positive outcomes for patients.
