Mount Nittany Health is proud to announce the certification of its Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Mount Nittany Medical Center by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification recognizes Mount Nittany Health’s ongoing commitment to improving patient’s quality of life and enhancing standards of care.
“This accomplishment demonstrates our dedication to delivering exceptional patient care and staying at the forefront of industry standards,” said Kristi Luse, Manager, Cardiology and Pulmonary Services, Mount Nittany Health. “The expertise and passion of our pulmonary rehab team to help patients and make a difference in their lives is truly commendable. They are invaluable assets to Mount Nittany Health.”
Mount Nittany Health’s cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs were designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.
To earn accreditation, Mount Nittany Health’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program participated in an application process that required extensive documentation of the program’s practices where they were reviewed for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies.
“Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation team is making a real, impactful difference in the lives of many people struggling with chronic respiratory problems,” said Charlene Diehl, Director, Diagnostic and Ancillary Services, Mount Nittany Health. “These patients can literally breathe easier thanks to their efforts, and I’m pleased to see their hard work and dedication validated with this certification from the AACVPR.”
In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is a six-week course offered through Mount Nittany Health Pulmonary Medicine and conducted in the Cardiopulmonary Center at the Medical Center. Patients who have completed the program have reported an increased overall feeling of wellbeing, decreased oxygen use, decreased hospital readmissions, and increased levels of activity.
Additional treatments and services provided by Pulmonary Medicine include bronchial thermoplasty, lung nodule care, medication, pulmonary function testing, robotic navigational bronchoscopy, smoking cessation, and surgery. To learn more about Mount Nittany Health Pulmonary Medicine, visit mountnittany.org/services/pulmonary-medicine.
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality, and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research, and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at aacvpr.org.