IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES QUALITY STANDARDS IN UKRAINE: INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS, MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES, AND ADAPTATION PROSPECTIVES

Abstract

system modernization in Ukraine in the context of European integration, digital transformation, and the need to strengthen healthcare system resilience under wartime and post-war challenges. The implementation of international healthcare quality standards has become increasingly important as a tool for enhancing the safety, accessibility, effectiveness, and patient-centeredness of healthcare services.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to investigate the peculiarities of implementing international healthcare quality standards in Ukraine, identify the key barriers and managerial challenges of this process, and substantiate promising directions for adapting international approaches to the conditions of the Ukrainian healthcare system.

Research methods. The study applies methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative, systemic and structural-functional approaches, as well as methods of generalization of scientific literature and regulatory documents in the field of healthcare quality assurance.

Results. The article summarizes the main international benchmarks for healthcare quality assurance, including the approaches of the World Health Organization, quality management system standards, accreditation standards, methodologies for developing clinical guidelines, and tools for assessing the evidence base of clinical recommendations. Normative, institutional, organizational, clinical, digital-analytical, and cultural-behavioural levels of implementing international healthcare quality standards in Ukraine are identified. The major barriers to implementation are systematized, including institutional, methodological, financial, human resource, managerial, digital, cultural, patient-centered, and crisis-related factors. Promising directions for adapting international standards are substantiated, including regulatory harmonization, development of internal quality management systems, digital transformation, staff capacity building, strengthening patient-centeredness, and improving healthcare system resilience.

Keywords: healthcare quality; international standards; healthcare system; quality management; standardization of medical care; patient-centeredness; digitalization; healthcare resilience.