The impact of preparation time on accreditation performance within Australian general practices.

Background and objectives: Australian general practices are highly involved with accreditation programs; however, there is evidence to suggest variability in their levels of performance. The aim of the current study was to determine the association with between several metrics of preparation with accreditation performance outcomes.

Method: Several metrics were synthesised that measured preparation time to general practice accreditation. Performance outcomes were: (1) conformity to 124 indicators of the standards; (2) time to remediate indicator non-conformities; and (3) level of assistance required.

Results: A greater number of months between registration with the accrediting agency and practice accreditation expiry date was associated with higher indicator conformity at the site visit (OR=1.04, P=0.001), as well as less time (β=-0.02, P=0.002) and less assistance (β=-0.66, P=0.02) to remediate non-conformant indicators post site visit.

Discussion: Adequate preparation time for several components within the accreditation framework for general practices were associated with small-to-moderate improvements in key performance outcomes.