Accreditation Program For Excellence (Apex): A Catalyst For Quality Improvement

Purpose: In 2014 the American Society for Radiation Oncology's Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx) was created in response to the Target Safely campaign. APEx is a powerful tool to measure and drive quality improvement in radiation oncology practices.Methods and Materials: A task group from the American Society for Radiation Oncology's Practice Accreditation Committee was formed to provide an overview of the APEx accreditation program including analysis from specific program data.Results: Through initiatives encouraged by the APEx program, participants are able to evaluate teamwork and effectiveness, implement documented procedures aimed at improving quality and safety, and establish quality management at the practice. The program's Self Assessment measures performance with program requirements and indicates where compliance lacks standardization. Methods to address these deficiencies form part of on-going quality improvement. These quality outcomes promote the delivery of safe, high-quality care.Conclusion: The accreditation process through APEx is a commitment to an ongoing safety culture. Any worthwhile accreditation program should provide a meaningful assessment of practice operations, supply the tools to identify deficiencies and provide the opportunity to showcase growth and development. A commitment to completing APEx is a commitment to excellence for patients and all those who care for them. (C)2020 American Society for Radiation Oncology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.