The American College of Cardiology’s Global Quality Solutions program now offers international hospitals and health systems a new pathway to achieving ACC Accreditation. Previously, these sites were required to submit data through the associated NCDR registry to be eligible for accreditation. However, local data and privacy regulations often made participation in a U.S.- based data registry challenging. The updated process will allow eligible sites to internally collect and submit aggregated data directly into ACC Accreditation tools to meet accreditation requirements. Sites that achieve accreditation will also be able to qualify for ACC International Center of Excellence status, the most prestigious designation offered by ACC for leading cardiac centers worldwide.

“Creating a simpler, more flexible path for international hospitals to participate in ACC’s Global Quality Solutions directly aligns with our mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all. By enabling hospitals to use trusted data sources, we are removing barriers, expanding access and ensuring high quality care is achievable in any setting,” said ACC Chief Medical Officer Richard Kovacs, MD, MACC. “Most importantly, this effort strengthens our commitment to health equity by helping hospitals everywhere advance evidence-based care for the patients and communities they serve.”

Eligible sites will receive the International Minimum Required Data Set corresponding to the accreditation they are pursuing and will be responsible for internally collecting the required aggregate data. Sites may upload quarterly aggregated data reports directly into the Accreditation Tool or share the information virtually with their assigned Accreditation Review Specialist. During the accreditation application phase and throughout the three-year accreditation period, sites will have access to quarterly NCDR U.S. benchmark reports for comparison and correlation purposes. This will streamline the international accreditation review process and help these sites achieve accreditation in a timely manner.

Learn more about the ACC’s Global Quality Solutions program at ACC Global Quality Solutions.

Institutions interested in ACC’s Global Quality Solutions program can direct questions and inquiries to globalquality@acc.org.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.

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