The Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai has been honored with a 3-year accreditation with commendation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The accreditation is recognized by the National Cancer Institute, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Joint Commission, the American Cancer Society, and other prominent national organizations and is awarded only to programs that comply with all standards at the time of a comprehensive on-site survey.
Scott R. Karlan, MD
The 2017 Accreditation Survey found that the Cancer Institute met or exceeded all 27 standards measured during the inspection, including diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology services, psychosocial services, and clinical trial information. Additionally, the Cancer Institute received commendations in all seven areas of care that are measured. This “gold” level of achievement qualifies the Cancer Institute to receive an Outstanding Achievement Award, which it first earned during a 2011 inspection. Only 6% of the 1,500 accredited hospitals, freestanding cancer centers, and cancer program networks nationwide that were surveyed achieved the gold status this year.
The accreditation is the result of several years’ work, during which a Cedars-Sinai task force of 60 physicians, nurses, and administrators developed and implemented initiatives aimed at improving patient care and quality of life, said Scott R. Karlan, MD, Associate Director of the Breast Center at Cedars-Sinai, who led the Cancer Committee.
Cancer Committee Initiatives
Reducing chemotherapy administered during the final 2 weeks of life and planning for end-of-life care
Referring advanced cancer patients to the Cedars-Sinai Supportive-Care Services program, which offers services such as Gentle Yoga for Wellness; the Cancer Exercise Recovery Program; and Emerging from the Haze, a psychoeducational program that helps patients cope with the effects of “chemobrain”
Reducing overuse of imaging for breast cancer patients at low risk for spread of their disease
Zuri Murrell, MD
Holding screenings for colorectal cancer in communities where the disease is more prevalent and increasing screenings for breast, prostate, and skin cancers throughout the area served by Cedars-Sinai.
“Cedars-Sinai employees, faculty, physicians, and patients take great pride in knowing that our Cancer Institute provides fantastic care,” said Zuri Murrell, MD, Director, Colorectal Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai. “I’m especially proud of our community outreach, which provides free breast and colorectal cancer screening and tests for diabetes.” ■
