Rumford Hospital is proud to announce the recertification of its Cardiac Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
AACVPR certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, because they offer the most advanced practices available and they are committed to improving the quality of life for cardiac patients by enhancing standards of care. To achieve certification, the Rumford Hospital rehab team participates in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices, and adherence to standards and guidelines. This certification is good for three years.
At Rumford Hospital, the cardiac rehab program is an individualized program of monitored exercise and education to help patients recover from a heart attack or heart surgery. The team consists of Registered Nurses, Cardiologist, Pharmacist, Dietitian, Diabetes Educator, and Respiratory Therapist. The Registered Nurses coordinating the rehab program are required to show their ongoing participation of attendance at current cardiac education as part of the recertification process.
Patients who attend the program attend three times per week. Each session includes exercise with additional education incorporated into two sessions each week. The program is structured specifically for each individual’s needs and goals with ongoing communication between the Cardiac Rehab team and their physician. The patients learn how to increase their physical activity safely and make lifestyle changes that may decrease future risk of cardiac incidents. With accurate diagnosis, therapy, emotional support, reconditioning and education, the Cardiac Rehab program helps patients achieve the highest possible functional capacity allowed by their physical limitations and life situations.
The Cardiac Rehab program at Rumford Hospital receives numerous compliments from patients and families thanking them for the work they do and the successes patients accomplish. Staff from Cardiac Rehab are often quoted as saying, “We love what we do. We have the best job in the hospital.”
A key to the success of the program is individualizing the exercise to each patient, and celebrating even the smallest accomplishment for each patient as they progress.