COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) Acute Leukemia Program recently earned a disease-specific care certification in leukemia from The Joint Commission, the nation’s top hospital-ranking organization. The OSUCCC – James Acute Leukemia Program is the third program in the United States to earn this certification.

“This prestigious certification by an independent reviewing body validates the dedication and commitment of the doctors, nurses and staff at the OSUCCC – James to patient care,” says William B. Farrar, MD, CEO of The 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 in any of several clinical or procedural areas that seek this two-year, advanced-level 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.

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 for The James leukemia program,” says Yiping Yang, MD, PhD, professor and director of the Division of Hematology at the Ohio State College of Medicine and hematologist with the OSUCCC – James. “ We are proud to be recognized for our leadership in the care and treatment of patients.

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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 51 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-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 sponsored by the NCI. As the cancer program’s 356-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. With 21 floors and 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.

Media Contact: Amanda J. Harper
OSUCCC – James Media Relations
Direct Line: 614-685-5420
Central Media Relations: 614-293-3737
Amanda.Harper2@osumc.edu