COLUMBUS, Ohio ­– The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) Sickle Cell Program recently earned a disease-specific care certification in sickle cell disease, an honor bestowed by The Joint Commission, the nation’s top hospital ranking organization.

“This advanced-level certification underscores the dedication of the OSUCCC – James to patient safety and quality of care as deemed by an independent reviewing body,” said Kris Kipp, executive director of patient services and chief nursing officer at the OSUCCC – James.

The Joint Commission disease-specific certification initiative involves evaluation of clinical programs across the continuum of care for compliance with standardized requirements and expectations for ensuring quality care and patient safety. Programs seeking certification are examined during an on-site survey by reviewers who assess:

• Clinical outcomes and other performance measures used to identify opportunities for improving care;
• Organizational leadership commitment to improving quality of care for patients who need the services that the program provides;
• Patient and caregiver education and preparation upon hospital discharge; and
• Evidence-based guidelines for clinical care incorporated into daily practice

The Joint Commission offers this two-year, advanced-level certification in several clinical or procedural areas, with the OSUCCC – James being one of only a few institutions in the country to gain certification for sickle cell disease.

Benefits of certification include improved quality of patient care via reduced variation in clinical processes, objective assessment of clinical excellence, an established culture of excellence and increased community confidence in the provided services.

“This is an incredible moment not just for The James, but for the entire sickle cell community,” said Payal Desai, MD, associate professor in the Division of Hematology and director of the Ohio State Adult Sickle Cell Program. “We are proud to break new ground for this disease and set the example nationally to move the field forward.”

To learn more about sickle cell treatment and research at the OSUCCC – James, visit cancer.osu.edu or call 1-800-293-8066.

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About the OSUCCC – James
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute strives to create a cancer-free world by integrating scientific research with excellence in education and patient-centered care, a strategy that leads to better methods of prevention, detection and treatment. Ohio State is one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and one of only a few centers funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs. As the cancer program’s 308-bed adult patient-care component, The James is one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report and has achieved Magnet® designation, the highest honor an organization can receive for quality patient care and professional nursing practice. At 21 floors with more than 1.1 million square feet, The James is a transformational facility that fosters collaboration and integration of cancer research and clinical cancer care. For more information, visit cancer.osu.edu.

Media Contact:
Amanda J. Harper
OSUCCC – James Media Relations
614-685-5420
Amanda.Harper2@osumc.edu