The Bon Secours Cork ASCO certified international pilot journey: A single center experience.

49 Background: ASCO Certified is a flagship quality program with the goal of ensuring every patient with cancer has access to high quality, patient-centered, coordinated cancer care. This program is based on the Oncology Medical Home (OMH) standards developed by ASCO and the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and was launched in the United States in 2023. In line with ASCOs mission to enhance and promote quality care globally, an international pilot program was launched one year later. The pilot was established to assess feasibility and determine what, if any, adaptations should be considered. Applications were welcomed from international practices to pursue certification. Methods: A local working group was established and conducted self-assessment to identify gaps in meeting the standards in preparation for the on-site review. The group met on a frequent basis compiling evidence that demonstrated compliance with the OMH standards as well as following ongoing measurement and continuous quality improvement standards. Results: In August 2024 we applied to the ASCO Certified international pilot. Following approval, a working group was established to formulate team leads focusing on the seven different domains including patient engagement; availability and access to care; evidence-based medicine; comprehensive team-based care; quality improvement; goals of care, palliative and end-of-life care discussions; and chemotherapy safety. Evidence was uploaded to the ASCO portal for review. We completed a patient experience survey. An on-site review took place in December 2024. All 39 standards in care delivery were achieved. In January 2025, the hospital learned that they had achieved ASCO Certification as a practice participating in the International Pilot. Conclusions: ASCO Certified was a rewarding experience which affirmed that the cancer care delivered in our institution met established international standards. ASCO Certified aligned with the Bon Secours Hospital group mission to deliver exceptional quality care with compassion, dignity, integrity, and stewardship while identifying areas where improvements could be achieved. During the process the value for our patients, their families and the staff was evident. ASCO Certified recognizes the need for a collaborative approach to align with local legislative, regulatory, and cultural differences that exist globally while remaining cognizant of available resources.