Background and Context:
Accrediation Institutions are long established in USA and play an important role in improving quality of patient care and advancement of science both in teaching institutions and individual students. Previous efforts until 2012 to establish a similar institution within the Turkish Medical Oncology Society had limited success and no satisfactory achievements.
Aim:
Creation of a more proactive accreditation council to encourage and lead institutions and students toward higher educational and operational standarts of cancer care in Turkey.
Strategy/Tactics:
The Accreditation Council members are appointed with their prior consent to obligation of dedication. Three members rapidly changed during the two year term with the replacements when unexpected other obligations come into way of Council members from their own or other National institutions. The targets and aims of National Accreditation Council of Medical Oncology are re-established with participation of all Medical Oncologists in Turkey during SWOT analysis meeting of National Medical Oncology Society. Also an experienced professional team is hired for better structured board exams. The teaching faculty and fellows are all directly involved in establishing teaching institution standarts, effective use of log books etc.
Programme/Policy Process:
Changes are made in the Society bylaws to implement changes, including but not limited, to define the role and responsibilities of Accreditation Council, to have two committee members to continue the term for another 2 years to achieve better continuity etc. Program directors and students are informed of a prerequisite for log books and passing of national accreditation examination to apply for Society grants and international exchange programs.
Outcomes/What was learned:
Good planning, wide participation by all involved parties and perseverence are essential steps for launching of a successful National Accreditation Program/Institution. These efforts will sure to pay of in the long run for the better care of the cancer patients and advancement of science.