The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center (EMRMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with heart failure. EMRMCwas awarded Heart Failure Accreditation with Outpatient Services in October based on rigorous onsite review of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with heart failure through pre-hospital care, early stabilization, acute care, transitional care, clinical quality measures and more. In collaboration with Ephraim McDowell Heart & Vascular Institute, EMRMC has extended their commitment to care for the heart failure population beyond the acute hospital setting. EMRMC is one of only four hospitals in Kentucky to receive this accreditation.
Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. Hospitals that employ an evidence-based, protocol-driven and systematic approach to managing heart failure have been able to reduce time to treatment and are able to identify and predict high-risk patients while also reducing length-of-stay and hospital readmissions.
“EMRMC has demonstrated its commitment to providing Boyle and surrounding counties with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award EMRMC with Heart Failure Accreditation with Outpatient Services.”
Facilities earning Heart Failure Accreditation with Outpatient Services not only demonstrate the management of acute heart failure, but also provide, or partner with outpatient clinics for, post-discharge care and services to heart failure patients. This approach promotes a smooth transition between the inpatient and outpatient setting and ensures a collaborative team effort to ensure the continuum of care.
Hospitals receiving Heart Failure Accreditation with Outpatient Services from the ACC must take part in a multi-facetedclinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the precise care of heart failure patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes, and more effective and efficient disease control.
“This recognition from the American College of Cardiology is a direct reflection of the dedication and expertise of our Associates and providers,” said Dan McKay, president and CEO of Ephraim McDowell Health. “Earning Heart Failure Accreditation with Outpatient Services demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional, evidence-based care not only within our hospital walls, but throughout the communities we serve. We are proud of the teamwork that made this achievement possible and remain focused on improving the lives of heart failure patients every step of the way.”
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like EMRMC access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including heart failure.
About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.
