Patient-Centred Care Clinic Programme
Showcase Your Commitment to Excellence
Earning the PCCCP certification signals your unwavering dedication to patient-centred care—beyond clinical results. It builds trust, enhances reputation, and sets your clinic apart.
Boost Visibility & Attract Patients
Certified clinics gain prominent exposure across EFS platforms and international media, including directory listings, do-follow links, social media campaigns, and more—elevating your brand in a competitive landscape.
Drive Quality & Empower Your Team
The process includes a structured assessment to help identify gaps and inspire growth. Clinicians and staff benefit from a culture of empathy, collaboration, and professional pride.
The PCCCP, or Patient-Centred Care Clinic Programme, is an initiative by the European Fertility Society (EFS) aimed at promoting high standards of patient-centred care in fertility clinics. It provides a structured framework for clinics to assess, improve, and demonstrate their commitment to patient experience and well-being throughout the fertility journey.
Why to participate in Patient-Centred Care Clinic Programme?
Participating in the Patient-Centred Care Clinic Programme (PCCCP) offers several strategic and practical benefits for the fertility clinic. Here’s why it can be a strong move for the clinic:
- Demonstrates Commitment to Patient-Centred Excellence
- Gains Recognition from a Respected European Body
- Attracts and Retains Patients
- Supports Quality Improvement
- Empowers Your Team
- Boosts International Visibility
Three steps to get the Patient-Centred Care Clinic Certificate
The PCCCP Online Assessment Programme consists of the following three stages:
- Online Submission of the PCCCP Application
- Online Interview with an EFS Assessor
- Online Submission of Supporting Evidence.
Who may apply?
The applying organization, fertility clinic or hospital must confirm that it operates in accordance with the following eligible criteria:
- An internationally recognized code of ethics, such as the WMA International Code of Medical Ethics
- A Quality Management System (QMS), such as the ISO 9000 standards of the International Organization for Standardization or a similar internal or externally certified QMS.
- A documented Patient Care Policy (PCP).
We look at the following areas of Patient-Centred Care
- Trustful Communication
- patient-centred care environment
- Emotional support from staff
- Personalized approach
- Team qualification
- Patient experience
- Quality management
Benefit Programme
Certified clinics receive the following benefits as part of the Patient-Centred Care Clinic certification:
- Enhanced recognition and visibility across all official European Fertility Society (EFS) platforms, including the inclusion of do-follow links directing to the clinic’s official website.
- Dedicated communication outreach to all EFS social media audiences and registered subscribers, promoting the clinic’s achievement and commitment to patient-centred care.
- A professionally recorded video interview featuring the clinic’s Chief Executive Officer, General Manager, or Head of Patient Care, highlighting the clinic’s values, approach, and experience with the PCCCP.
Discover many more benefits in the PCCCP Brochure!
How to start?
- Register as a Clinical EFS Member here: https://www.europeanfertilitysociety.com/register-clinics/
- Fill in the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) within your Member Account and check if you reach the number of points required (min 85%).
- Submit your application and wait for contact from the EFS Central Office.
Recommendations
The Patient-Centred Care Clinic Programme (PCCCP) has received strong support from organisations, institutions, and professionals across the fertility field who believe that patient care should be at the heart of reproductive medicine. We proudly present the growing list of PCCCP supporters.
FAQ
A. Application & Registration
1. How can a clinic formally apply for PCCCP certification?
Clinics can apply by completing the official application form available on the EFS website in the Member Account. Once submitted, EFS Certification Team will contact the clinic to initiate the process.
2. Is there a specific application form or online portal to use?
Yes, an online application form is provided on the EFS website in the Member Account. All required documentation can be uploaded through the secure portal.
3. Can clinics from any country apply for certification?
Yes, PCCCP is open to clinics globally (following the international and UK legislation rules). While it was developed in Europe, its standards are internationally relevant.
4. Are there any prerequisites or eligibility criteria to become the EFS member?
Clinics must be operational for at least 12 months and actively providing fertility care services. They should also demonstrate a commitment to patient-centred practices.
5. Are there any prerequisites or eligibility criteria for applicants?
The applying organization, fertility clinic or hospital must confirm that it operates in accordance with the following eligible criteria:
- An internationally recognized code of ethics, such as the WMA International Code of Medical Ethics.
- A Quality Management System (QMS), such as the ISO 9000 standards of the International Organization for Standardization or a similar internal or externally certified QMS.
- A documented Patient Care Policy (PCP).
6. Can multiple branches of the same clinic group apply together, or must they apply separately?
Each clinic location must apply separately to ensure a site-specific assessment of patient care practices.
B. Timeline & Duration
7. What is the typical timeline from application submission to final decision?
The full process typically takes between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how promptly the clinic submits the required documents, attends the assessment interview and responds to assessor queries.
8. Are there specific timeframes or application windows throughout the year?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
9. Can a clinic request an expedited assessment in urgent cases?
In exceptional circumstances, expedited reviews may be considered. Please contact the EFS Central Office Team directly to discuss options.
10. What happens if the clinic needs to pause or delay the process after starting it?
In exceptional circumstances, a pause in the process may be considered. Please contact the EFS Central Office Team directly to discuss options.
C. Documentation & Requirements
11. What types of documents or evidence must be submitted during the assessment?
Clinics are required to submit internal policies, patient communication materials, consent forms, staff training protocols, patient feedback summaries, and other documents reflecting their care standards.
12. Is there a checklist of required documents available for applicants?
Yes, a detailed document checklist (list of evidence) is provided to the applicant, to guide the clinic through the process.
13. Are templates or examples of documentation provided to guide applicants?
EFS does not share any examples with applicants, however, the EFS provide Patient- Centred Care Guidance to help clinics to prepare and structure their submissions effectively.
14. Are materials required in English, or can they be submitted in the local language?
Submissions in English are preferred. If materials are in another language, EFS may request translations of key documents.
15. Can the clinic include patient testimonials or survey data as supporting evidence?
Absolutely. Patient feedback, surveys, and testimonials are strongly encouraged and valued in the assessment.
D. Support During the Process
16. Will the EFS assign a coordinator or contact person to guide us through the process?
Yes, each clinic is assigned a Certification Coordinator who serves as the main point of contact throughout the assessment.
17. Is there a possibility to schedule a preliminary consultation before applying?
Yes, introductory consultations are available to help clinics understand the process and decide whether to proceed.
18. Does EFS offer any training, webinars, or resources to help clinics prepare for certification?
Yes, support materials including webinars, videos, and Fertility Patient Care Guidance are available for all applicants.
19. Is there a Q&A session or support line available during the application period?
Yes, clinics can contact the Certification Team via email or schedule video calls to resolve questions during the process.
E. Assessment & Evaluation
20. Who conducts the assessment — is it an internal EFS committee or external reviewers?
Assessments are conducted by an independent, certified assessor under the supervision of the EFS Certification Committee.
21. Are site visits or virtual audits part of the evaluation process?
Currently, the process is fully remote and is based on an online application (Self-Assessment Tool – SAT), the documentation provided and a virtual assessment interview. Additional evidence may be required if clarification is needed.
22. What criteria are used to evaluate compliance with PCCCP standards?
Evaluation is based on alignment with the PCCCP Guidelines, covering categories such as trustful communication, patient-centred facilities, emotional support, diversity, qualified team, positive experience.
23. Will the clinic receive a detailed report or feedback after the evaluation?
Yes, a comprehensive feedback (Final Assessment Report, FAR) is provided whether the certification is granted or not, including strengths and areas for improvement.
F. Fees & Payments
24. What are the total fees for the PCCCP certification?
Total fee is 3,000 GBP, regardless the clinic’s size or location. The initial certificate is valid for one year. After this period, clinics may apply for recertification, which also costs 3,000 GBP. The recertification is valid for three years and includes a follow-up review after 18 months.
25. What payment methods are accepted?
Bank transfers are accepted. Payment instructions are provided with the invoice.
26. Is payment required upfront, or is it divided into stages?
The full payment is required based on the invoice at the beginning, before the start of the certification process.
27. Are any discounts or fee waivers available for academic or non-profit institutions?
EFS may consider reduced fees for academic or non-profit fertility clinics. These are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
G. Certification Validity & Renewal
28. How long is the PCCCP certificate valid?
The initial PCCCP certificate is valid for one year. After this period, clinics may apply for recertification, which is granted for three years and includes a follow-up review after 18 months.
29. What is the process for renewing the certification once it expires?
Renewal involves a reassessment process, including updated documentation and additional assessment interview.
30. Can the certificate be revoked if the clinic no longer meets the standards?
Yes, the certificate can be suspended or revoked if a clinic fails to meet the ongoing requirements or if complaints are substantiated.
H. Communication & Promotion
31. Will the certified clinic be listed on the EFS website or public platforms?
Yes, all certified clinics are featured on the EFS website, partners websites and in relevant public materials.
32. Can certified clinics use the PCCCP logo and certificate in their marketing materials?
Yes, certified clinics receive a digital certificate and certification badge (seal) and are encouraged to use it on their websites, brochures, and communications.
33. Does EFS support promotion of certified clinics through social media or conferences?
Yes, EFS promotes certified clinics on social media and almost twenty fertility websites.
Contact Us
Central Office
Martyna Kuszmar
Email: info@europeanfertilitysociety.com