Integrity Oncology Foundation, a part of Baptist Medical Group and a major player in the Baptist Cancer Center, has been recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
The QOPI® Certification Program provides a three-year certification for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet the highest standards for quality cancer care.
According to Dr. Stephen B. Edge, director of the Baptist Cancer Center, certification by the ASCO QOPI® program is a key component of helping to assure high-quality cancer care. Edge added that this national program, first proposed by Dr. Joseph Simone, who later became Baptist’s first Cancer Center director, sets high standards for demonstrating and maintaining quality.
“We are proud of Integrity for this achievement,” said Edge.
Dr. Margaret Gore, associate director of quality for the Baptist Cancer Center and hematologist/oncologist with Integrity said, “Accreditation by QOPI is a testament to the leading-edge cancer care Integrity is known for providing.”
Integrity Oncology Foundation, Boston Baskin Cancer Foundation and The Family Cancer Center Foundation became part of BMG in late 2011, and all groups will work together within the new cancer center. Baptist broke ground on the center last year, and it will be located near the campus of Baptist Memphis because of the proximity to already existing cancer services.
Integrity Oncology offers a wide range of services to its patients and addresses the emotional needs of patients and families. Offering the highest standard of expertise and quality care, Integrity provides treatment in oncology, hematology, immunotherapy and rheumatology. Its three doctors – Dr. A. Earle Weeks, Dr. Suhail M. Obaji and Dr. Margaret Gore – and talented support staff are dedicated to providing the most advanced treatment and latest technology in an atmosphere that is as friendly, stress-free and convenient as possible.
About QOPI
QOPI is a voluntary self-assessment and improvement program launched by ASCO in 2006 to help hematology-oncology and medical oncology practices assess the quality of the care they provide to patients. Quality metrics are assessed in a broad array of areas including documentation; communication; delivery of chemotherapy; appropriateness of drug selection; attention to supportive care; and patient-related outcomes, survivorship, and end-of-life issues. Additional core quality standards evaluated are: treatment planning, staff training and education, patient consent and education, and monitoring and assessment of patient well-being.
ABOUT QOPI® Certification
The QOPI Certification Program was launched in January 2010, with more than 150 practices already certified. This certification for outpatient oncology practices is the first program of its kind for oncology in the United States. Oncologists can achieve certification by demonstrating practice consistent with the highest standards of care. The QCP seal designates those practices that not only scored high on the key QOPI quality measures, but meet rigorous safety measures established by ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society.
QOPI analyzes individual practice data and compares these to more than 100 evidence-based and consensus quality measures. The information is then provided in reports to participating practices. Individual practices are also able to compare their performance to data from other practices across the country. Based on this feedback, doctors and practices can identify areas for improvement.
About ASCO
ASCO is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 30,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. ASCO is supported by its affiliate organization, the Conquer Cancer Foundation, which funds groundbreaking research and programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of people with cancer. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.