Hackensack University Medical Center Earns Joint Commission Certification for Cancer Program

On May 22, 2018

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center has earned Joint Commission Certification for its Kidney Cancer Program — the first and only disease-specific certification of its kind in the United States.

“I want to congratulate our team members on a perfect review,” said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, president of Hackensack University Medical Center. “This first-of-its-kind recognition is a reflection of their dedication to providing the highest quality, human-centered care.”

This certification raises Hackensack University Medical Center’s total number of certified programs to 24 Gold Seals of Approval™, more than any other hospital in the country.

The Joint Commission team reviewed inpatient and outpatient areas as well as data specific to the program, including provider and team member files, which were assessed for current disease-specific competency and education. Surveyors commended team members for: interdisciplinary involvement, research and strong leadership, as well as nurse navigator and social worker follow up, and patient education. Patients said: I will always come here, I am able to feel good again, and everyone is caring and fantastic.

“This disease-specific certification illustrates our multidisciplinary approach to the best practice management and treatment of kidney cancer,” said Michael Stifelman, M.D., chair of Urology and director of Robotic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. “More than 85 percent of our patients with kidney cancer, who require surgery, are provided the latest minimally invasive robotic technique that removes the tumor and saves the kidney, with most returning home within 48 hours. For patients with more advanced disease, we provide a team approach with access to the latest clinical trials.”

Key focus areas included: optimal and appropriate post-operative pain management; documented and standardized best practice discharge instructions; documented electronic medical record care plans; and optimized communication to streamline patient care.

The mission of the Kidney Cancer Program at Hackensack University Medical Center is to deliver extraordinary care that is multidisciplinary, personalized and innovative, with superior outcomes to the most satisfied patients. The team includes physicians, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, and social workers, all dedicated to providing exceptional treatment.

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

The Joint Commission mission is to improve health care for the public by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

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