NUMC recognized for heart failure program

A state organization recently honored Nassau University Medical Center for the cardiology department’s heart failure program, officials said.

Victor F. Politi, the East Meadow hospital’s president and chief executive officer, announced that the Healthcare Association of New York State recognized the program for the staff’s achievements in improving quality, safety and efficacy of care, in addition to redesigning the way care is delivered, earlier this month. In a letter dated Nov. 24, Dr. Kathleen Ciccone, the executive director of HANYS Quality Institute, wrote, “I am pleased to provide a copy of HANYS publication, which recognizes your achievements, and those of your colleagues at HANYS member organizations across New York state.”

NUMC cardiology department leaders recently implemented a comprehensive program to enhance the care of patients with heart failure during hospitalization through their transition to home, they said. An algorithm for diagnosing acute decompensated heart failure was developed, officials explained, and identified patients were given extensive education on disease management.

Since the program launch, patients have been referred to case managers or social workers, as well as the “transition of care team.” These staff members arrange for additional services for the patients, such as housing, transportation and follow-up care to other disciplines.

Once discharged, NUMC’s heart failure nurse, — who assesses a patient’s general well being, in addition to signs and symptoms of heart failure, — calls an individual within 48 to 72 hours. The nurse practitioner also sees patients post-discharge in the NUMC heart failure clinic, officials said, and reinforces heart failure education at the initial and subsequent follow-up visits.

NUMC’s focus on improving performance and patient outcomes in cardiovascular services is evident through a reduction in readmission rates from 29 percent to 27.5 percent, Politi said. He commended the cardiology staff for this achievement, as well as the HANYS award.

“The cardiology department, under the leadership of Chairman Amgad Makaryus, deserves congratulations for their efforts in reducing readmissions, reducing mortality rates for Medicare patients as well as decreasing the average length of stay through its ‘Cardiac Care Across the Continuum’ program, which enhances the care of patients with heart failure,” he said.