The National Quality Forum (NQF) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan, membership-based organization that works to catalyze improvements in healthcare. NQF endorsement is the gold standard for healthcare quality. NQF-endorsed measures are evidence-based and scientifically acceptable (i.e., reliable and valid), and in tandem with the delivery of care and payment reform. Additionally, the CMS relies on the guidance of NQF to foster the use of a more uniform set of measures across federal programs that provide health coverage for about 120 million Americans.
ASCO continues to receive endorsement from NQF for nine quality measures. Each measure is evaluated by NQF for suitability on (1) importance, (2) scientific acceptability, (3) feasibility, (4) usability, and (5) related and competing measures. The ASCO measures are endorsed for the accountability designation. Accountability measures are suitable for public reporting, payment incentive programs, and the selection of providers by consumers, health plans, or purchasers. The quality improvement designation indicates measure use for internal monitoring of performance within an organization or group so that analyses and subsequent remedial actions can be taken.