Monmouth Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Certified by Industry Leader

CAPTION: Patti Ostrander-Coffey BSN, RN, CCRN, Assistant Clinical Director for Cardiopulmonary Rehab, is shown, seated second from left, with, from left, John Sayson, Director of Patient Care for the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Cardiologist Ajay Shah, M.D., Medical Director for Cardiac Rehab, Maureen Bowe, Administrative Director of Cardiology Services, Renal & Nursing Resources, and members of the MMC Cardiac Rehabilitation team.

Long Branch, NJ, September 9, 2024 - Monmouth Medical Center has achieved recertification of its cardiac rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This three-year certification is recognition of MMC's commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.

The Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program at MMC is the first program in Monmouth County to be certified for both cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation by the AACVPR. A national, multidisciplinary association, the AACVPR is dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve. In 2023, the hospital earned a three-year AACVPR recertification for its pulmonary rehabilitation program.

The AACVPR relies on scientific and evidenced-based research to design and update Cardiac Rehab programs, and is geared towards meeting the individual needs of each patient, so they can move towards a commitment to manage their own health and disease processes, according to Patti Ostrander-Coffey BSN, RN, CCRN, Assistant Clinical Director for Cardiopulmonary Rehab. Certification recognizes that programs reviewed by the national AACVPR board meet the highest standards of care, including a therapeutic plan, intervention and evaluation, preparedness for medical emergencies and physician involvement.

"We not only educate regarding exercise, but encompass nutrition, psychosocial, disease management, and behavior modifications, all for secondary prevention of a cardiac event," she said. "We help to empower each patient to meet their goals, which are discussed on their first evaluation session. During the 36 daily sessions visits, patients and staff monitor their progress by updating their individualized treatment plans, and this collaboration allows us to review if goals were met, and what else the patient may need to learn or if there are any referrals needed."

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is open to individuals who have had bypass surgery, valve surgery, a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty, stable angina or a heart transplant. Most major medical insurance plans, including Medicare, cover all or a portion of program charges.

"Cardiac Rehab is an important step for patients in achieving wellness, and my staff and I feel we are a missing link that helps to reinforce each patient's treatment plan." Patti says. "We are able to help the patients understand their diseases, medications, and diet so they have the education and tools needed to manage their own health."

To earn accreditation, MMC's 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.

To learn more about the Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Program at MMC, call 732-923-7454.