Fairview Southdale Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program has achieved national certification from the American Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) for the second time. In order to achieve this recognition, the AACVPR requires health care facilities to adhere to very high standards in exercise, education, behavior change and counseling with a multidisciplinary program and being able to document that clearly. 

“This certification requires that the entire staff give exceptional care on a daily basis,” said Nancy Huntley, cardiac rehab staff, Fairview Southdale Hospital. “Only a small percentage of cardiac rehab programs nationally are able to qualify for the certification.” Twenty-two programs in Minnesota have this special certification.

Gallup poll results for the first quarter of 2005 put Fairview Southdale Hospital cardiac rehab program in the  99th percentile in patient satisfaction. “This is a clear indication that our staff is very consistent, while putting forth heartfelt efforts in patient satisfaction each and every day,” said Kristen McWilliams, supervisor, cardiac rehab, Fairview Southdale Hospital  “No one wants to have heart problems, but if you need rehab, isn’t it great to come to a clinic that loves to have you and works so hard to be sure your needs are met?”

Upon approval by the AACVPR National Program Certification Committee, the AACVPR Board of Directors issued a certificate, which is valid for three years.  The certificate is a symbol of meeting essential standards for quality patient care in cardiac rehabilitation. Fairview Ridges Hospital cardiac rehab has also received its re-certification, and University of Minnesota Medical Center, a division of Fairvew, cardiac rehab is in the process, with full expectations of re-certification.

For more information on the American Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and its requirements for this certification, go to www.aacvpr.org.

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