Inspectors are the backbone of JACIE; without them, there is no accreditation process. Becoming an inspector is a wonderful way to contribute to maintaining global quality standards. As the number of JACIE applications has increased, we are constantly looking for new inspectors to join our ranks. At the moment, we are particularly keen to hear of German, French and Spanish speaking Clinicians and Quality Managers.
Each month, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our JACIE Inspector who will share his/her experience.
Read our interview with Michele Vacca, Director of Transfusional Medicine Service at Policlinico Universitario Campus Biomedico and Bambino Gesù Hospital Pediatric Hospital in Rome, Italy.
Introduce yourself and your role(s) and position(s) within EBMT and outside of EBMT
My name is Michele Vacca, I am 63 years old. I have almost ten-years of experience in the role of collection and processing inspector. Currently, I hold the role of Director of Transfusional Medicine Service at both Policlinico Universitario Campus Biomedico and Bambino Gesù Hospital Pediatric Hospital in Rome. I have performed nineteen inspections so far.
Why did you decide to become a JACIE inspector?
Since acquiring a JACIE accreditation was in the plan of my transplant program, I realised that becoming a JACIE inspector would allow me to learn a lot about technical aspects that could be useful to my centre. Another important reason for this decision is to have the opportunity to meet colleagues performing the same activity like me and discussing about challenges and achievements. Finally, walking through the centre of beautiful cities, in the evening, after the first day of inspection, is an opportunity I have always taken!
What has been the most memorable inspection that you have ever done?
In my opinion, all inspections have something of memorable especially when the tension is slowly dissolving and a relaxed and productive atmosphere has been created. However, one inspection remains particularly in my mind: Milan on January 2020. We arrived at the hospital and immediately I realised that the inspection would become a special one; we were at the epicenter of the COVID pandemic at its most dramatic time. Everything went well, but nothing would be like before.
What ‘keys to successful JACIE accreditation’ can you share with us?
In my opinion the key words for the success of the JACIE accreditation: share procedures, monitor results, improve from non-compliance.
How has your career/work benefited from being a JACIE inspector?
Being a JACIE Inspector has given me many opportunities that certainly facilitated my career progress such as: meeting many colleagues, building authority and gaining prestige.
Do you have any tips or advice for anyone who aspires to become a JACIE Inspector?
My first recommendation is to create a constructive atmosphere and not acting like a consultant. It is necessary to prepare and read the entire pre-inspection documentation and discuss with fellow inspectors any critical points before the inspection. Another important tip is to follow the scheduled timetable.