BRATTLEBORO-Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) has received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure Rural Bronze recognition for its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, which means reduced re-admissions and more healthy days at home.
According to a news release, the award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines for heart failure care as outlined by the American Heart Association.
"Our providers work hard every day to improve the lives of people in the community who experience heart failure," said Aida Avdic, MD, chief medical officer. "We've made it a goal to ensure our heart failure patients receive a high standard of care that gives them the best possible quality of life."
About 6.7 million U.S. adults are living with heart failure, a number that is expected to increase to more than 8 million by 2030. Despite its name, heart failure simply means the heart is having a hard time pumping blood and oxygen throughout the body.
While there's no cure, patients can live a quality life by working with their healthcare team to create and stick with a plan that may include medication, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle changes.
Each year, program participants like BMH qualify for award recognition by demonstrating their organization has committed to providing quality care for heart failure patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their heart failure at home.
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