Jul
17
DuPage Medical Group’s Cardiology Department Pioneers Program to Reduce Hospital Readmissions
Filed Under DuPage Medical Group News
In an effort to lead our community by reducing hospital re-admissions and decreasing patient morbidity and mortality we are happy to introduce the first post-hospital discharge Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Navigator Program in our market. Starting July 1, 2009 we began assigning an APN to manage patients between hospital discharge and office follow up. While this unique, first in market, APN Navigator Program will manage all patients being discharged in our service we are aware Congestive Heart Failure patients have the highest same illness readmission rates in medicine.
Studies indicate that bridging the gap in care between hospital discharge and office follow-up for patients with Congestive Heart Failure significantly reduces hospital re-admissions and patient mortality. Each DMG Cardiology service hospital will be assigned a post-discharge APN Navigator who will:
- Coordinate hospital discharge including patient follow-up planning
- Reinforce patient education including self management strategies
- Schedule office follow-up appointments to be seen within one week following discharge
- Contact CHF patients before office follow-up appointment to confirm patient is:
Checking weight daily and has not had a 2 pound weight gain overnight
Following a 2000 mg sodium diet
Not experiencing worsening shortness of breath or edema
Taking medications as prescribed
DMG Cardiology APN’s are Board Certified with decades of cardiac experience to support a higher standard of care.
Recognizing this is the first program of its kind in our market we realize you may have questions. Please view our brochure for more information or don’t hesitate to contact Cardiology with any questions 630-933-8100.