CROWN POINT | Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point’s cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation program has been certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for improving quality of life by enhancing standards of care.
Franciscan St. Anthony Health participated in the one-month application process, which requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. The three-year program certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review programs for adherence to standards developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the organization’s National Certification Committee and certification is awarded by its Board of Directors.
“Having our cardiac rehabilitation program receive AACVPR certification is the result of the hard work and dedication of our cardiac rehab team,” said Jane Nowakowski, Franciscan St. Anthony Health cardiopulmonary rehabilitation charge nurse.
“The process allowed us to demonstrate that our program, including our exercise facility, professional staff qualifications, policies, procedures, patient education and patient outcome measures, meet the standards and guidelines of best practice in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, which result in improved outcomes for our patients.”
Such programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary resuscitation because they offer the most advanced practices available.
Hospital president David Ruskowski was pleased with the certification.
“I am very proud of our cardiopulmonary rehab program and the team members who make it all happen. I have seen some remarkable success stories and heard testimonials from patients who came into the program physically and emotionally debilitated from their heart or lung disease who graduated with much greater physical function and an upbeat attitude about their future.”
Cardiovascular and pulmonary resuscitation programs are designed to help patients recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation 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 improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.