WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital secured a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer, WVU Medicine reported on Monday.
The designation recognizes integrated care across specialties and adherence to evidence-based protocols that shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment.
Ruby Memorial Hospital is one of approximately 123 centers nationwide to achieve the NAPRC designation, which is administered by the American College of Surgeons. International models inspired the standards, which aim to reduce recurrence rates, enhance quality of life, and increase patient survival.
Emily Groves, M.D., and Oncology Quality Program coordinator Regan Detamore oversaw the multi-year accreditation process. Reviewers conducted an on-site audit of the hospital’s imaging, pathology, and surgical quality practices.
“Our goal is to ensure that every patient has access to the highest quality of care for their rectal cancer treatment without having to travel far from their families and support systems here at home,” Groves said.
NAPRC standards require multidisciplinary teams to meet 22 requirements
The NAPRC framework requires programs to meet 22 distinct standards covering quality improvement and patient outcomes. Oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and cancer leadership collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to review individual cases in depth.
“There are 22 standards a program must achieve to be accredited by the NAPRC, including ongoing improvement in quality of care, short- and long-term patient outcomes, and a multidisciplinary care team of oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and cancer leadership who work together to provide the best course of treatment and outcomes for our patients,” Carl Schmidt, M.D., chair of the Department of Surgery, said.
What patients should know about NAPRC accreditation
What does the NAPRC accreditation mean for patients?
Patients gain access to a structured care pathway that reduces the time between diagnosis and treatment. Cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team using evidence-based protocols designed to lower complication rates.
How long did the accreditation process take?
The process took several years to complete and included an extensive site visit by NAPRC reviewers who audited imaging, pathology, and surgical practices at the hospital.
Where can patients find more information about the cancer center?
Patients and families can visit WVUCancer.org to learn more about services offered through the WVU Cancer Institute.
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