After more than a year of dedicated effort, the AACI Standard Development Committee has officially released DRAFT 2 of the Clinical Standard for Oncology Services, now open for public consultation. This set of standards is crafted to establish a robust framework for quality assurance, process improvement, risk assessment, and creating a safer environment within Cancer Care Centers.
The draft standards have been distributed across all regions, with each forming specialized teams of oncologists who will review the guidelines and make recommendations tailored to local market conditions and specific needs. Following this regional feedback phase, the standards will undergo real-world testing in three Oncology Care Centers to evaluate their adaptability and effectiveness.
“While accrediting oncology hospitals and departments, we identified considerable opportunities for enhancing performance,” said Dr. John Bell, President of the AACI. “It was clear that we needed to address this gap, particularly because no such comprehensive standard currently exists in the market. Through extensive consultations with stakeholders, it became apparent that a Clinical Standard for Oncology Services was urgently needed.”
The forthcoming standard is expected not only to fill a significant gap in the provision of oncology services but also to offer clear guidelines aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Bell highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, thanking everyone who contributed:
“This standard will not only address the current void in oncology care but will also offer actionable pathways to enhance treatment results for patients. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all who were involved, especially the members of the Standard Development Committee, as well as everyone who shared their expertise to refine and strengthen these standards.”
The final draft will be validated through pilot testing in selected Oncology Care Centers to ensure its relevance and practical application in real-world settings. If successful, this new standard is set to serve as a benchmark for cancer care globally, further solidifying AACI’s role as a leader in healthcare quality.