Meeting the challenge of foot & ankle surgical care

Foot and ankle disorders – whether from injury, arthritis, or chronic conditions – can have a significant impact on mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. As demand for corrective foot and ankle surgery increases, healthcare organizations must meet higher expectations for outcomes, coordination, and safety. 

Patients today are more informed and selective. They seek providers who demonstrate clinical excellence, use standardized best practices, and ensure comprehensive care from pre-op to rehab. Unfortunately, not all surgical programs are equally structured or outcome focused. 

Without consistent clinical protocols and multidisciplinary coordination, the risk of complications, delayed recovery, and patient dissatisfaction rises. Establishing rigorous clinical protocols across the continuum of surgical care is critical to improving patient safety and surgical success.Shape 

What is the Advanced Foot & Ankle Surgery Certification? 

DNV’s Advanced Foot & Ankle Surgery Certification (AFASC) is awarded to organizations that demonstrate excellence in surgical care for foot and ankle procedures. It is designed for hospitals and surgical centres committed to leading-edge practices, performance measurement, and patient-centred outcomes. It provides a rigorous, objective framework to elevate the quality and reputation of the surgical program. 

The certification process includes an annual survey conducted by DNV surveyors with clinical expertise in surgical care. It ensures your program is not only compliant with national standards but structured for excellence. 

The survey evaluates care practices across the surgical continuum – from initial assessment through recovery – and emphasizes outcomes-driven performance and quality improvement.

It includes: 

• Review of program outcomes data and benchmarks to identify opportunities for process improvement.
  
  
• Direct observation and evaluation of protocols related to:
  • Preoperative assessment and patient education.
  • Intraoperative safety, surgical techniques adherence, and clinical best practices.
  • Postoperative recovery and rehabilitation.
  • Pain management and infection prevention.
  • Discharge and long-term follow-up care. 

AFASC is a tool for clinical and strategic advancement that affirms your organization’s commitment to safe, effective, and patient-centred care while supporting continuous improvement across your foot and ankle surgery program.