Table 3

Outline of selection/nomination process of CoCE

First authorSteps outlined
Chang et al 48 & Lymphatic Education & Research Network68
  1. Applications will be reviewed by the LE&RN Global Oversight Committee (GOC). All applications will be scored, using the following three individual criteria:

    1. The quality of the overall application/services.

    2. Unique offerings or particular characteristics that add to the lymphatic disease clinic.

    3. Miscellaneous (eg, lymphatic disease community citizenship, research).

Santos-Moreno et al 36
  1. Implementing an attention model for the patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, in accordance with the requirements of each type of centre of excellence.

  2. Filling the self-assessment form of each type of centre of excellence and implementing improvement actions.

  3. Requesting and preparing for a verification visit.

  4. Receiving a verification visit from REAL-PANLAR.

  5. Official notice of the results of the assistance and verification visit.

Shikora, Delegge and Van Way III57
  1. Online application completed by surgeon or facility.

  2. Successful application results in provisional status.

  3. Within 2 years must seek full approval and pass on-site inspection and indicates has an excellent outcome.

  4. Mandatory submission of all patient data to a database.

Vivian et al 46
  1. Establishing the foundation (leadership structure and purpose).

  2. Formalising the centre of excellence programme (clinical education training, multidisciplinary team involvement).

  3. Solidifying the centre of excellence status (certification/accreditation by external institute).

  • CoCE, centres of clinical excellence.