JCI Accreditation and Outpatient Surgery: A Scoping Review of Evidence on Healthcare Quality, Risk Management, and Policy

Background: The global healthcare landscape is increasingly shaped by two pivotal trends: the adoption of international quality frameworks, such as Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and the strategic shift towards resource-efficient models like outpatient surgery. While JCI is the gold standard for hospital risk management and outpatient surgery is a key driver of efficiency, a critical disconnect exists in both research and policy. The applicability and impact of hospital-centric JCI standards within the unique operational context of ambulatory surgery remain a critical blind spot. The present scoping review aims to systematically map the evidence regarding the association between JCI accreditation and outpatient surgery, identify critical knowledge gaps, and highlight implications for healthcare contexts. Methods: The scoping review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search of major databases (i.e., PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted for the period 2000–2025. Data extraction was centered on study design, interventions, and key findings related to quality and risk management. Results: Our analysis of 80 included publications revealed a key finding: the literature on JCI accreditation and outpatient surgery exists in two separate, non-overlapping silos. A complete absence of empirical studies directly evaluating the implementation or effectiveness of JCI accreditation within outpatient surgery centers was identified. Conclusions: The review revealed a critical evidence gap concerning integrated risk management in ambulatory settings. This finding highlights an urgent need for further research to inform evidence-based healthcare policy and ensure patient safety in the growing field of outpatient surgery.