The Joint Commission has certified seven disease-specific programs at Children's Medical Center Dallas. Children's is the only pediatric hospital in the United States with more than two such designations of excellence, making the Dallas hospital a leader in health care reform.

Children's is the first hospital in the nation, pediatric or adult, to receive certification for an Autism Evaluation and Diagnostic Program. And it's the only pediatric hospital to receive certifications for a Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and a Pediatric Pain Management Center.

Awarded second certifications are the Eating Disorders and Fetal Heart programs, the only certified pediatric programs of their kind in the nation. The Asthma Management Program received its fifth consecutive certification, while the Diabetes Education Program received its third certification.

"These certifications illustrate Children's ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for children who suffer from chronic diseases, and for the families who support them every day," said Christopher J. Durovich, president and chief executive officer of Children's Medical Center. "Children's is committed to helping our patients better manage their illnesses. Our programs have earned this recognition for providing evidence-based care, and multidisciplinary support in a family-centered environment."

The certification process examines three areas: Compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.

"Disease-Specific Certification by the Joint Commission is an important external validation of our efforts to provide evidenced-based clinical care, and thoroughly integrate performance measurement and process improvement into our daily operations," said Karissa Luckett, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N., director of Disease Management and Wellness at Children's.

The focus on disease management is part of the hospital's ongoing efforts to reduce use of the Emergency Department and to improve the quality of life for children with chronic conditions.

The Joint Commission's certification Program, launched in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Joint Commission-accredited organizations, including Children's, may seek certification for virtually any chronic disease or condition.

According to The Joint Commission, disease-specific care programs seek certification because it:

-- Demonstrates commitment to a higher standard of service

-- Provides a framework for organizational structure and management

-- Provides a competitive edge in the marketplace

-- Enhances staff recruitment and development

-- Is recognized by insurers and other third parties

Source: Children's Medical Center Dallas