Cancer program earns top accreditation
July 10, 2011
Cancer program earns top accreditation
July 11, 2011
The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has awarded the University of Chicago Medical Center a three-year accreditation with commendation, its highest overall rating. The cancer program earned commendations in seven areas:
- Outcomes analysis
- Quality of data submission
- College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines
- Clinical trial accrual
- Prevention and early detection
- Cancer education for registry staff
- Cancer-related quality improvements
The accreditation is nationally recognized by organizations such as the Joint Commission, American Cancer Society, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as having established measures for the provision of high-quality cancer care.
"We are honored to receive such a high rating," said University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Michelle Le Beau, PhD. "For our patients, this means they can expect to receive quality, comprehensive care that includes a multidisciplinary team approach, a complete range of state-of-the-art services and treatments, and access to early detection programs, cancer education, and support services."
The Commission on Cancer survey, completed May 10, served as a pilot for standards that will go into effect in 2012. The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of 42 professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients. Its accreditation program sets quality of care standards. The process involves a rigorous evaluation and review. Nearly 50 percent of the 1428 hospitals surveyed--a minority of U.S. hospitals--have at least one contingency.