Emerson Hospital cardiac rehab program receives certification (MA, USA)

Emerson Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program was recently certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. AACVPR certification signifies that Emerson's program meets the essential standards for quality patient care in cardiac rehabilitation, including exercise programming, risk factor education, psychosocial well-being, and nutrition. The AACVPR program certification committee reviews each hospital program for adherence to standards. If the program is approved, the AACVPR Board of Directors issues a certificate, which is valid for three years. The certification process takes about 10 months from start to finish. The mission of the AACVPR is to reduce morbidity, mortality, and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research, and disease management. "Ginny Dow, manager of cardiac rehabilitation, and her team submitted a substantial portfolio demonstrating 100 percent compliance with AACVPR standards in December 2008," said Kevin Whitney, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Emerson Hospital, MA, USA. "Following a lengthy review process, we received notification in early September that we met the criteria for the three-year certification. The AACVPR is a national association whose mission, promoting health and preventing disease, is recognized as the gold standard. Congratulations to Ginny and her team for the excellent service they provide to our patients and for this outstanding achievement"