Table 1.

Research aims, key questions, and related studies

Research aims	Key questions	Studies (Fig. 1)
1: To evaluate current accreditation processes	Does accreditation make a difference to the quality of care and performance?	1, 2, 3, and 12
2: To analyse the costs and benefits of accreditation	What are accreditation's cost implications? What benefits are realized?	6
3: To improve future accreditation	How can accreditation be improved?	7-11
4: To develop and apply new standards of consumer involvement in accreditation	How can consumer involvement be improved?	4 and 5