Healthcare around the world is entering a revolution as a multitude of new technologies converge to change how care is provided. From 3D printing to DNA editing, recent developments and discoveries have brought about a new chapter of innovation in healthcare. At the same time, on top of the global pandemic, countries worldwide are facing significant strains to their healthcare systems, including aging populations, financial challenges, and workforce shortages that threaten their ability to meet people’s medical needs. Health systems are evolving to address these challenges while taking full advantage of the new technologies being availed to them, and standards are critical to that progress.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 304, Healthcare organization management, is focused on the development of standards to improve the provision of healthcare as demographic and economic challenges and transformational technology create new demands on health systems worldwide. With U.S. leadership, the committee is currently developing ISO/CD 7101.2, Health Care Quality Management System Standard, which will offer structure and guidelines to clinicians and caregivers as new technologies advance healthcare practices. Collaborators on the standard are striving to create a healthcare quality management system that can be employed by healthcare organizations of any size all over the world, and with any level of resources.
As the U.S. member of ISO, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) holds the secretariat of ISO/TC 304, with responsibilities delegated to InGenesis. InGenesis is also the ANSI-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) administrator of this TC.
Learn more about standards and the transformation on the horizon in the global healthcare industry in ISO’s article: What Does the Future Hold for Healthcare?