Tennessee Oncology has received re-certification by the QOPI® Certification Program, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association for Clinical Oncology (the Association) and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (the Society). The QOPI® Certification Program builds on the Society’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), providing a three-year certification for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care.
“Our survey results are external validation of Tennessee Oncology’s core philosophy, Caring for Cancer Patients is a Privilege.” said, Kathleen L. Murphy, MSN, AOCN, RN, Executive Director, Nursing Services, Tennessee Oncology. “That deeply held core culture drives us to serve others to the best of our ability, every day.”
Tennessee Oncology first achieved certification in 2011. Applying for re-certification, they participated in a voluntary comprehensive site assessment against clearly specified standards that are consistent with national guidelines and was successful in meeting the standards and objectives of the QOPI® Certification Program.
“Practices that re-certify demonstrate passion for quality care,” said, Association Chair Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO. “By opting to dedicate time and resources toward this certification, they exemplify what all providers should strive for, in not just meeting guidelines and standards, but exceeding them.”
To become QOPI® Certified, practices have to submit to an evaluation of their entire practice and documentation standards. The QOPI® Certification Program staff and task force members then verify through an on-site survey that the evaluation and documents are correct and that the practices met core standards in areas of treatment, including:
- Creating a safe environment—staffing, competencies, and general policy
- Treatment planning, patient consent, and education
- Ordering, preparing, dispensing, and administering chemotherapy
- Monitoring after chemotherapy is administered, including adherence, toxicity, and complications
- Treatment planning
- Staff training and education
- Chemotherapy orders and drug preparation
- Patient consent and education
- Safe chemotherapy administration
- Monitoring and assessment of patient well-being.
“With great pride and gratitude, I thank our patient-dedicated team that scored 21 out of 21 surveyed standards, a perfect score, with no deviations,” said, Dr. Natalie Dickson, President and CMO, Tennessee Oncology. “This coveted certification is especially rewarding coming from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, whose mission we support; conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality, equitable patient care.”
About Tennessee Oncology
Tennessee Oncology is one of the most comprehensive community oncology practices in the nation with over 200 cancer care providers, serving 32 centers across Middle Tennessee and North Georgia. Tennessee Oncology is a partner practice of OneOncology, the national platform for independent oncology practices. Learn more here: tnoncology.com
About the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Association for Clinical Oncology
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (the Society) and the Association for Clinical Oncology (the Association) are committed to making a world of difference in cancer care. The Society and the Association represent nearly 45,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of the highest-quality patient care, the Society works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. The Association works to ensure that all individuals with cancer have access to high-quality, affordable care; that the cancer care delivery system supports oncology providers in their delivery of optimal cancer care; and that our nation supports federal funding for cancer research as well as efforts centered on cancer prevention, drug development, and clinical trials. Learn more about the Society at www.ASCO.org, explore patient education resources at www.Cancer.Net, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Association at www.ascoassociation.org and follow us on Twitter.
About QOPI Certification Program LLC
QOPI® Certification Program, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association for Clinical Oncology (the Association) and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (the Society), is dedicated to recognizing exemplary commitment to safety and quality in oncology patient care. Practices that have achieved QOPI® Certification have scored well on key QOPI® quality measures and have met chemotherapy safety standards established by the Society and the Oncology Nursing Society in various areas of treatment and chemotherapy safety.
