Applications
Apply to become an Accredited Duchenne Center
Centers that are interested to become an Accredited Duchenne Center (ADC) for pediatric and/or adult care can apply via the steps described below.
Within the program there is room for discussion about national differences in the availability and reimbursement of (health care) services. Should you have any other questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact Merel Jansen, PhD.
1. Register your interest
The first step in the application process is to complete and submit the ADC registration form.
2. Screening
After registration, centers will receive a first response by the ADC Program Manager within 24-48h. Centers will then receive a link to a digital questionnaire to determine whether they provide care according to the screening criteria for children and/or the screening criteria for adults. Criteria are in agreement with the latest care considerations, consensus guidelines and/or expert opinions. In addition to the questionnaires, centers are asked to submit a letter of support from the national patient organization.
3. Visitation
A visitation with a group of experienced professionals and a patient representative will be scheduled if screening criteria are met. During the visitation, semi-structured interviews will be performed with doctors, allied health therapists and patients/families.
4. Accreditation
Semi-structured interviews will be reviewed and, if the criteria for accreditation are met, centers will receive accreditation and can become an Accredited Duchenne Center (ADC) for pediatric and/or adult care. Criteria for accreditation are in agreement with the care considerations, consensus guidelines and/or expert opinions. Centers providing most of the care according to the care considerations and/or consensus guidelines (but do not meet all criteria for accreditation* yet) will receive advice to optimize care through written feedback by the ADC project team (and the Advisory Board in case of doubt).
Where centers have ‘Points to be addressed’ on the report, an appropriate action plan should be submitted for the next meeting. This plan should include a time frame and will form part of the next evaluation.
5. Maintaining accreditation
Once accredited, it is important that centers proactively seek to extend and further develop their expertise, or take on new areas of knowledge and skill. The World Duchenne Organization ensures that a framework exists for accredited centers to plan their ongoing education.
* Full set of criteria for accreditation are not shown on website
Feedback on visitation
We welcome your feedback on the visitation process. Please send us an email to tell us about your experience.
ADC Advisory Board
An international and multidisciplinary team of experts is overseeing the Accreditation of care centers.