Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Programs Earn Certification

 

September 21, 2007 --- Jackson Purchase Medical Center (JPMC) is proud to announce the Certification of both the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) National Certification Committee. According to Mary Jo Lewis, CEO, “The certification requires a rigorous six-month application and review process and asserts that the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs at JPMC deliver a standard of essential care to its cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients. We have an exceptional staff in this area and I congratulate them on their hard work.”

“This certification tells our current and prospective cardiac and pulmonary  rehabilitation clients that we have all the components in place to provide expert rehabilitation care,” says Melissa Johnson, RN, BC, BSN, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation nurse specialist at JPMC. “While we have worked very hard for this certification, we are also honored to receive it.”

Shane Jackson, RT(R) CV, Cardiology Services Supervisor at JPMC, adds “The certification is important because it demonstrates our commitment to excellence in providing cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services for the people in our region.”

The goal of program certification is to assure the facility is meeting the essential standards of care for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR State/Regional Committees, AACVPR National Certification Committee and the AACVPR Board of Directors for final approval. The committee then presents the hospital with a certificate.

To achieve program certification, both programs had to demonstrate the performance of clinical care according to the most current national guidelines. This included a review of the physician communication process, improved patient health outcomes and satisfaction, cardiac risk reduction, optimal patient education and continuing education for staff development. In addition, the programs had to demonstrate how they meet ongoing staff development through continued education and evaluation that exceeds competency and fosters individual and departmental growth.

Patients who participate in either of the programs receive services performed by an interdisciplinary team of medical and healthcare specialists whose goal is to control and alleviate the symptoms of their disease to the highest degree possible. The team also teaches the patient self management skills which will allow independence in managing daily activities.

According to Regina Williams, RCP, RRT, rehabilitation exercise specialist, “A diagnosis of cardiac or pulmonary disease often brings with it questions, concerns and fears, and our programs provide resources to answer your questions, help you make appropriate lifestyle changes and help you to increase your fitness level.”

For more information about the programs please call 270-251-4120.