In 2023, Accreditation Canada’s Echocardiography Quality Improvement (EQI) team embarked on a new accreditation initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of care for pediatric cardiology patients. Even with the successful implementation of an adult echocardiography (echo) accreditation program in Ontario, a similar program tailored for the pediatric population was noticeably lacking. Recognizing the importance of implementing comparable quality standards and elevate care for this population, the EQI team initiated a volunteer pilot program in early 2024 to assess pediatric echocardiography facilities. 

Pediatric echo standards were first integrated into the CorHealth Standards for Echocardiography in 2021, as an appendix, serving as recommendations to those practicing in the field. By launching this pilot program, the EQI team endeavours to endorse these standards to enable their active integration into clinical practice. Drawing on the robust framework, expertise, and experience of the adult program, the team is developing a model for pediatric accreditation that mirrors its successful predecessor. 

Presently, two facilities — comprising one hospital-based practice and one community laboratory — have voluntarily enrolled in this pilot program. The assessment process encompasses both on-site visits conducted by experienced assessors, and remote reviews of echocardiograms performed at these sites. 

While initially conceived as a volunteer initiative, the EQI team aims to formally launch the program by early 2025, thereby fostering a culture of excellence in pediatric cardiology care across Canada. 

Accreditation Canada is a leader in quality and safety standards within health and social services, both nationally and globally. As the foremost authority in overseeing and evaluating Canadian health care and social service sectors, it remains dedicated to continuously improving quality standards and elevating the provision of safer care for all.