WVU Medicine Granted CFF Accreditation for its Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program

The Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at West Virginia University Medicine’s Mountain State Cystic Fibrosis Center was recently awarded accreditation from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) for its work in the cystic fibrosis (CF) community.

The accreditation is granted to institutions after a thorough application process that includes a site visit, interviews with the team, and a review of metrics (such as lung function, body mass index, and others) impacting patient health. Quality improvement initiatives, clinical trials research, and community outreach are also assessed.

“Gaining separate adult program accreditation through the CFF is recognition of the dedicated and high quality care we have been providing for people living with cystic fibrosis. This is a reflection of numerous years of hard work to grow the program to ensure we are meeting the needs of our patients and their families,” Lisa Costello, MD, director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, said in a West Virginia University press release.

“We will always have improvements to make and will continue to strive to get better, but are pleased the CFF recognized the significant improvements we have made over the past few years. This really was a team effort with commitment from the larger WVU Medicine organization, Medicine and Pediatrics departments, and numerous individuals including patients and families,” she said.

Following the accreditation, the Mountain State Cystic Fibrosis Center is now part of the national network of CFF-accredited Care Centers, and the first separately accredited adult program in West Virginia. The center has more than a decade of experience in caring for adults and children with CF.

CFF-accredited Care Centers offer comprehensive, high-quality, specialized care to CF patients, helping them to lead more productive lives. They also conduct clinical research and help to educate healthcare professionals on the best care and management of the disease.

“Thanks to research advances and care driven by the CF Foundation as well as CF Care Centers and the dedicated efforts of patients and their families, there are now more adults living with CF than children,” Costello said. “We want to be able to transition pediatric patients to adult care while ensuring we are providing the highest quality of care to the adult population, being a partner in their efforts to lead a longer, healthier, and more productive life with cystic fibrosis.”

CFF has more than 120 Care Centers across the U.S. To find a Care Center, visit this link.