National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer

Over the last 20 years, the outcomes of rectal cancer have repeatedly been shown to be variable and highly contingent upon specialization, training, and volume. To address these challenges, the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) was developed.

The program and its standards are based on international models that have led to better outcomes. For patients, this means reduced recurrence rates, enhanced quality of life, improved function, and increased survival.

Hospitals that participate in one of our Quality Programs, including the NAPRC, earn the distinction as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner (SQP).

Why Should Your Program Seek or Maintain NAPRC Accreditation?

Based on successful models that emphasize program structure, patient care, quality improvement, and quality measurement, the NAPRC establishes multidisciplinary teams and research-supported protocols. Through verifying evidence-based procedures like total mesorectal excision, pathological assessment, and MRI staging and reporting, the standards for rectal cancer programs are comprehensive.

The NAPRC standards help hospitals improve their:

Multidisciplinary teams

Why this matters: These teams drive better outcomes and are associated with improved clinical decision-making and patient experience.

Program management

Why this matters: The program and multidisciplinary team are overseen by a qualified rectal cancer program director and a coordinator.

Clinical services

Why this matters: Facilitates rectal cancer patients receiving appropriate care based on diagnoses within specified time targets.

Quality improvement

Why this matters: The NAPRC utilizes data to improve efficiency, standardize care, and improve outcomes.

Patient-centered approach

Why this matters: The standards address the patient journey, and the emphasis is on providing the best possible care and improving quality of life.

References

1. Brady JT, Bingmer K, Bliggenstorfer J, Xu Z, Fleming FJ, Remzi FH, et al. the Consortium for Optimizing the Treatment of Rectal Cancer (OSTRiCh). Could meeting the standards of the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer in the National Cancer Database improve patient outcomes? Colorectal Dis. 2023;25:916–922. https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.16503

2. Harbaugh, Calista M MD, MSc; Kunnath, Nicholas J MS; Suwanabol, Pasithorn A MD, MS, FACS; Dimick, Justin B MD, MPH, FACS; Hendren, Samantha K MD, MPH, FACS; Ibrahim, Andrew M MD, MSc, FACS. Association of National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer Accreditation with Outcomes after Rectal Cancer Surgery. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 239(2):p 98-105, August 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001064

Rectal Cancer Program Standards

The standards are used to evaluate program management, clinical services, patient care, and quality improvement of rectal cancer programs.

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Our site reviewers have extensive knowledge of the current NAPRC standards and rectal cancer care. Review the qualifications needed and apply today.

Site Reviewer Profiles

The NAPRC site reviewers bring a wide array of experience to the role.

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Why Should Your Program Seek or Maintain NAPRC Accreditation?

Rectal Cancer Program Standards

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