LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The American College of Cardiology has recognized the UofL Health - Jewish Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain by awarding them the Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation in February based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
“UofL Health - Jewish Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing the city of Louisville and the region with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to provide UofL Health - Jewish Hospital with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, UofL Health - Jewish Hospital had to meet standard Chest Pain Center protocols and demonstrated a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. UofL Health - Jewish Hospital also maintains a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
“Patients experiencing chest pain or a heart attack need immediate, expert care,” said John Walsh, UofL Health – Jewish Hospital CAO. “Our doctors and nurses provide the highest level of care in the most critical, early stages of cardiac distress. By achieving this accreditation, we are making a commitment to our community to provide the best cardiac care in the region.”
UofL Health - Jewish Hospital took part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involved: completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, a rigorous onsite review and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
In order to achieve accreditation, UofL Health - Jewish Hospital was able to meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.
About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 52,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.
For more information about ACC Accreditation Services, visit accreditation.acc.org, or call toll-free 1877-271-4176.
