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Country/JA: iPAAC logo iPAAC
Action type: Policy recommendations

Problem: For the implementation and designation of CCCNs, specific requirements must be met. Verification of implementation should be carried out based on explicit and transparent rules that prevent a potential conflict of interests.

Objective: A Framework for the certification and designation of CCCNs was developed, consisting of specifications for auditors, audit plan, on-site audit, audit report and the award of the certificate.

Implementation status: Recommendations for implementing a certification program for CCCNs

Key Contextual Factors

  • The obligatory starting point for the application of the Framework of Certification is a division of prerogatives: the definition of the criteria to be audited (set of standards) must be carried out by different experts than the on-site audits. The awarding of the certificate must again be independent of the two bodies mentioned.
  • The Framework of Certification can be applied on a national or cross-national level.

Key Components/Steps

  • Within WP 10 iPAAC a framework for the certification and designation of CCCN has been developed.
  • The Framework has been piloted in two CCCNs (Lower Silesian Oncology Centre, Wroclaw, Poland; Comprehensive Cancer Centre Charité, Berlin, Germany). See also: further One Pager WP 10 iPAAC.
  • The external evaluation of the pilot projects has shown that the Framework can be successfully applied for the certification and designation of CCCN.

Main Impacts / Added Value

  • The Framework is a transparent set of procedures for the certification and designation of CCCNs. Its application enables a uniform approach at European, national, regional and local level. It avoids conflicts of interest and ensures that certification is carried out by experts who are experienced in the areas to be audited. The trustworthiness and value of a certification system is reflected by the quality of the Set of Standards (see further One pager WP 10) and moreover by the underlying principles of the evaluation processes that form the basis of the framework.
  • Patients are thus assured that the certificate identifies CCCNs that meet high quality standards for their specific disease.

Lessons Learned

  • The division of tasks and prerogatives provided for in the framework enables the necessary independence of the institutions and persons involved.
  • A central element is the qualification of the auditors who, to be able to implement a continuous improvement process in the CCCN, must necessarily have the tumour-specific medical expertise. This is the key to ensuring that appropriate measures for areas with potential for improvement can be identified and agreed upon.
  • Clear specifications for the audits (audit plan, on-site audits, audit report) and the awarding of certificates are further central elements for a successful implementation of the framework.

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