UHS Delaware Valley Hospital's Pulmonary Rehab Becomes Certified

UHS Delaware Valley Hospital (DVH) is proud to announce the certification of its pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Delaware Valley’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are 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, Delaware Valley’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

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 DVH program is the only one within the region that is certified. To access other certified programs you would have to travel approximately 2 hours away from Walton.

Delaware Valley’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program was re-certified by the AACVPR in July, 2019.

DVH is affiliated with the United Health Services (UHS) system in Binghamton, NY.  In January, Susan Malia, BSN, RN, Delaware Valley’s cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation nursing lead was awarded the system’s “Loved and Legendary” Award for exemplifying a staff member who lives the system’s values in their everyday interactions with patients, colleagues and visitors. Sue was nominated for the award based on the outstanding care she gives her patients, which is exemplified by the numerous written accolades the hospital consistently receives from her patients.  To learn more about Delaware Valley’s program visit www.nyuhs.org or call 607-865-2155.

Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation 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 www.aacvpr.org.