McDonough District Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Program Secures Prestigious Three-Year Recertification
A leading indicator of quality patient care, McDonough District Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program has onc again earned a three-year recertification from teh American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This achievement underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing extraordinary care and its dedication to the well-being of its patients.
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are vital components of recovery for patients facing a range of challenges,including heart attacks,coronary artery bypass graft surgery,and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These complete programs are designed to accelerate recovery and empower patients to live healthier,more fulfilling lives through a combination of exercise,education,counseling,and robust support for both patients and their families.
“Recertification is a significant achievement for the program,representing compliance with AACVPR and demonstrating the quality of care provided by the MDH Cardiac Rehab staff,” stated a senior hospital official. The rigorous process highlights the dedication and expertise of the MDH team.
Achieving AACVPR Program Certification requires a thorough and documented request process, demonstrating adherence to stringent standards and guidelines established by the AACVPR and related professional organizations. Each application undergoes meticulous review by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, with final certification awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors – making it the only peer-review accreditation of its kind.
The hospital official specifically praised the Cardiac Rehab staff, recognizing the contributions of Ginger Shawgo, RN; Jacki Lee, RN; Marc Kessler, ATC; and Tim Piper, Ed.D, CSCS, for their dedication to patient care and their efforts throughout the recertification process.
In 2018, the AACVPR shifted to an outcomes-based process, emphasizing performance measurements that reflect meaningful improvements in patient health. This evolution positions AACVPR-certified programs, like MDH’s, as leaders in the field, offering the most advanced practices and consistently delivering high-quality patient care. the three-year certification period validates the program’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
MDH offers a tiered approach to cardiac rehabilitation, catering to patients at various stages of recovery. Phase I focuses on inpatient treatment, while Phase II provides an 8-12 week, physician-ordered program following hospital discharge. Phase III offers a unique chance for patients to continue personalized workouts at their own pace within the MDH facility.
“The patients in our Phase III Program are a very dedicated group. Some patients have kept coming back for more than 20 years as of the positive feedback from physicians and the comradery that is developed within the group,” the hospital official noted,highlighting the program’s long-term impact and the strong sense of community it fosters.
Founded in 1985,the AACVPR is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to reducing the burden of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education,prevention,rehabilitation,research,and disease management. more details about the AACVPR can be found at www.aacvpr.org.
Established in 1985, MDH Cardiac Rehabilitation focuses on helping patients regain strength and endurance after procedures such as open heart surgery, heart attack, stent placement, valve repair or replacement, or management of stable angina. The program extends beyond immediate recovery, providing guidance on risk factor modification and promoting positive lifestyle changes. Individuals seeking more information can contact MDH at (309) 836-1601 or visit MDH.org.
Courtesy of the McDonough District Hospital
