IMPROVING HEART FAILURE CARE AT LAWRENCE & MEMORIAL
Heart failure affects nearly five million Americans each year. Heart failure occurs when the heart has been weakened by some type of damage that prevents it from pumping blood adequately to the rest of the body. Hypertension, renal failure, diabetes, coronary artery disease or a heart attack may all contribute to heart failure.
There are 500,000 new cases of heart failure diagnosed each year. That is why L&M is making strides in improving care for patients both during hospitalization and after discharge. We are proud to be part of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s 5 Million Lives Campaign. Evidenced-based heart failure care components, supported by The Joint Commission and the American College of Cardiologists are practiced at L&M.
Effective patient education, along with discharge instructions that address activity level, diet, discharge medications, follow-up appointments, weight monitoring and what to do if symptoms worsen are some of the key care components followed at L&M to improve patient outcomes.
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital recognizes that good heart failure care follows the patient home. The cardiac rehab nursing staff is pleased to provide our heart failure patients with a free telephone follow-up program over the course of several weeks. Discharge instructions, medications, dietary restrictions and follow-up appointments are reinforced. The staff can also be the “go-between” the patient and physician when clarifying medications or getting additional Lasix ordered for weight gain. Sometimes, just talking with a member of the cardiac rehab staff can be reassuring to the patient or caregiver as they cope with the diagnosis of heart failure.
As we improve the care we provide our heart failure patients everyone wins……the patients' quality of life improves, we see fewer hospitalizations and readmissions, and the estimated financial burden of $30 billion on the health care system can only improve.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart failure and would like more information on our education and telemanagement program, please call: (860) 442-0711, extension 3037 or 2527.