FACT Events at the 2019 TCT Meetings Were a Success

Posted in :: 2019 Volume 3 :: Thursday, March 14th, 2019

FACT hosted several popular events at the 2019 TCT | Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Meetings of ASBMT and CIBMTR in Houston, Texas. Over 150 people joined FACT on February 19 for the Cellular Therapy Inspection and Accreditation Workshop, which included topics such as building quality into clinical immune effector cell programs, risk evaluation and mitigation strategies, using the Tracer Methodology to assess compliance with standards, common citations, reviewing clinical outcomes, and improving data management through follow-up. Also on February 19, FACT hosted two cellular therapy leadership courses for anyone who has, or aspires to, a leadership position in cell therapy.

On February 20, FACT teamed up with ASBMT to host the 4th annual Quality Boot Camp.  Over 130 people participated in the boot camp. This year’s agenda focused on topics such as dashboards and scorecards, record retention, risk assessment, integrating IECs into your HCT program, and evaluating the quality of your program through auditing. Quality experts presented core concepts, led roundtables, and answered questions to help others reach their quality management goals.

Special invitations were extended to all international delegates attending the TCT Meetings for a wine and cheese reception on February 21. The FACT Global Affairs: International Accreditation session provided attendees information about the international accreditation program featuring a stepwise certification approach. The new program was developed to assist transplant centers in emerging economies who may require additional assistance and education in developing quality systems and adhering to global accreditation requirements.

On February 21, in the session titled, Quality in HCT: Center-Specific Outcomes, Dr. Dennis Gastineau, FACT President and member of the FACT Clinical Outcomes Improvement Committee, shared guidelines for corrective action plans, and trends noted in the plans reviewed, including causes of death, challenges in root cause analysis, and ideas for improving one-year survival.

On February 22, FACT hosted a social hour for all FACT inspectors and inspector trainees in honor of their dedication and service provided to the cell therapy community. FACT relies on volunteer inspectors and appreciates their superior service, time, and expertise.

In addition to these events, FACT welcomed visitors to its exhibit booth to provide information about accreditation and educational activities.

All events were successful and FACT looks forward to the 2020 Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Meetings in Orlando, Florida!

FACT welcomed 150 attendees to the Cellular Therapy Inspection and Accreditation Workshop at the 2019 TCT Meetings.