How to re-accredit?

ESMO Designated Centres accreditation is valid for three years and then centres can re-accredit.

The aim of re-accreditation is to ensure that cancer centres that are awarded ESMO recognition continue to promote and integrate palliative care into mainstream oncology services. 

When applying for re-accreditation centres should consider the following:

• Application form - centres will be asked to complete an electronic form which consolidates the 13 accreditation criteria. It is important than all areas are, as much as possible, completed within the application.
• Developments - it is important that centres highlight developments within their centre in the last three years (since the last accreditation) in line with the 13 accreditation criteria.
• Criteria - some criteria areas may have developed less than others in three years. In this instance, centres should outline how services have remained stable and how these are monitored for continuity of care.
• Stratification data - in addition to updates to the 13 criteria, centres will be asked to confirm the contact details of the clinical team and the stratification data for your centre, e.g number of beds, etc. For this reason, it is important that centres review the form and prepare the necessary information prior to completion.
• Guidance - centres must follow the Guidance and Terms and Conditions. Centres who do not follow the guidance or do not fully complete their application, may not have their submission accepted.

Re-accreditation Criteria 

Areas we would expect to see development in the last three years include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advancements and innovations within your centre.
• Changes in personnel – new team members or changes of role, include credentials, e.g. in palliative care.
• Updates to your care provision, e.g. new services or ways of working.
• Communication methods across teams, e.g. between oncology, palliative care, community services, emergency care, psychosocial support, etc.
• Implementation of tools or systems, e.g. changes to patient submission process or criteria, assessment tools, electronic systems.
• Where services remain static, address how stability is achieved and how this is monitored for continuity of care.
• Institute development – any new departmental buildings/wards/beds. 
• Research and publications from the last three years.
• Education and training opportunities for clinical staff, including internal/external training, presentations, etc.
• Any other changes or developments

Should you require further information, please contact us at designatedcentres@esmo.org.