McDonough District Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program earned again a three-year recertification with the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
This certification recognizes MDH’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
“Recertification is a badge of honor for the program signifying compliance with AACVPR and demonstrating the quality of care provided by the MDH Cardiac Rehab staff,” said Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Director Phyllis McLouth, PT, DPT.
Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) recover faster and live healthier. The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
To earn accreditation, MDH Cardiac Rehab participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.
McLouth praised the Cardiac Rehab staff for their work with patients and during the recertification process. They include: Ginger Shawgo, RN; Jacki Lee, RN; Marc Kessler, ATC; Tucker Stephens, PTA; and Lindsey Schafer, ATC.
In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proved track records of high quality patient care.
MDH offers three programs for patients in various stages of their recovery. Phase I is inpatient treatment. Phase II is an 8-12 week physician-ordered program after release from the hospital. Phase III provides patients the opportunity to continue personalized workouts in the MDH facility at their own pace.
“The patients in our Phase III Program are a very dedicated group. Some patients have kept coming back for more than 10 years because of the positive feedback from physicians and the comradery that is developed within the group,” said McLouth.
About the AACVPR: Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.AACVPR.org.
About MDH Cardiac Rehabilitation: Established in 1985, MDH Cardiac Rehabilitation’s primary goal is to help the patient gain strength and endurance following open heart surgery, heart attack, stent placement, valve repair or replacement, or stable angina. The long-term goal is to offer direction in risk factor modification and positive lifestyle change. For more information call (309) 836-1601 or online at MDH.org.
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