To earn CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 specific quality care standards, be re-evaluated every three years, and maintain excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered cancer care. The evaluation process to maintain accreditation includes an on-site review by a physician surveyor, who assesses compliance with stringent standards, cancer data management, clinical services, community outreach and quality improvement.
“Getting accreditation from the Commission on Cancer is a hallmark of a solid cancer program, but keeping the quality consistent takes our oncology program to a new level,” stated Waheed Murad, M.D., cancer committee co-chair and an oncologist with City of Hope. “This re-accreditation is a testament to our team of doctors and nurses for exceeding expectations and providing excellent care here in the Antelope Valley.”
AVH takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer, relying on the expertise and coordination of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists.
“Our collaboration provides improved patient care and better outcomes,” stated Amartej Merla, M.D., cancer committee co-chair and an oncologist with Antelope Valley Cancer Center.
Accreditation is granted only to cancer treatment facilities that deliver quality patient care through a variety of cancer-related programs focusing on prevention, screening, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care. CoC-accredited programs offer access to information on clinical trials and new treatments; genetic counseling; and such patient-centered services as psycho-social support, a patient navigator, and a survivorship care plan that documents the care each patient receives and seeks to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.
“The Commission on Cancer re-accreditation for our program speaks to the consistently high quality of care at Antelope Valley Hospital,” stated Patricia Karnstedt, RN, MSN, OCN, cancer program coordinator for the hospital. “This re-accreditation is the next step in elevating our program and validating our commitment to providing outstanding care here at home.”
[Information via news release from Antelope Valley Hospital.]
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