Speare Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the certification of its Cardiac Rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Speare’s Cardiac Rehab was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologists Craig Johnson and Rachel Kindl explained the nearly year-long application process, “We developed a new patient care plan which identifies risk factors in four categories:  exercise, nutrition, social and educational.  For example, in the exercise category, each patient completes a pre- and post-program walking assessment.  AACVPR requires this data to be submitted to show the percent change of our patients’ exercise tolerance.”

“Each of the four categories requires one tool to show the effectiveness of our program as a whole,” Craig and Rachel continue.  “During this process, staff had to revise all policies and procedures to comply with AACVPR and CMS standards.  Receiving our certification in September was a relief . . . and something we are proud of.”

AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

“National certification of our Cardiac Rehab program, along with Craig and Rachel’s individual certifications, is a significant achievement and is a reflection of their engagement with patients and commitment to improved patient outcomes,” says Linda Nestor, director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Speare. “Being certified by the AACVPR benefits our patients through the knowledge that the best care is right in their own backyard.  Additionally, it gives the cardiologists from the New England Heart Institute directing our patients’ cardiac care confidence in the care they are prescribing.”

For more information about Speare’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program call (603) 238-6440.