Cardiac Care
Saint Therese accepted the Aging Services of Minnesota Leading Change Innovation Award for
its Cardiac Care Program on February 7 at the Aging Services Institute and
Expo.
The Cardiac Care program at Saint Therese of New Hope is a leader in the industry promoting specialized care for cardiac patients in the transitional care unit (TCU). The program began in May 2012 in an effort to prevent hospital readmissions for cardiac patients through excellent care and detailed follow-up support.
The Cardiac Care program at Saint Therese of New Hope is a leader in the industry promoting specialized care for cardiac patients in the transitional care unit (TCU). The program began in May 2012 in an effort to prevent hospital readmissions for cardiac patients through excellent care and detailed follow-up support.
Saint Therese is honored to accept this
award for the New Hope Cardiac Care program. The organization saw a need in the
community and developed a program to uniquely serve cardiac patients.
The goals of the program are to:
provide integrated care, enhance the quality of life for patients and their
families, strengthen each patient and give them confidence before returning
home, and reduce hospitalizations and be fiscally responsible to the health
care system.
More than 450 TCU patients have gone through the program to date. Last quarter, Saint Therese’s average readmission rate while patients were under its care was approximately 7%. This is far beneath the national average for Medicare patients of 18%, according to Kaiser Health News.
More than 450 TCU patients have gone through the program to date. Last quarter, Saint Therese’s average readmission rate while patients were under its care was approximately 7%. This is far beneath the national average for Medicare patients of 18%, according to Kaiser Health News.
The needs of a cardiac patient are managed through an
integrated care model involving nursing, social services, physical and
occupational therapists, pharmacists and dietitians. An interdisciplinary team
meets weekly to review charts and measure patient progress.
Cardiac Spotlight: Dietitians
A Saint Therese dietitian works with each patient and their family to create a nutritional plan. The plan helps patients learn about a heart-healthy diet. The dietitian also works to educate patients and families on appropriate meal plans for when they return home.
Dietitians provide information to help our patients be successful in their journey toward living healthy. Below is a list of five foods to include in a heart-healthy diet, according to WebMD Heart Disease Health Center.
1. Blueberries
• Contain anti-inflammatory which reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer
• Enjoy as a snack, dessert or in a salad
2. Salmon
• Packed full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
• Grill, bake or cook on stove top
3. Soy Proteins
• Contain fiber, vitamins and minerals
• Soy protein bar or soy nuts make a great snack
4. Oatmeal
• Great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, which helps lower cholesterol
• Use traditional oatmeal rather than instant, it contains less sodium
5. Spinach
• Phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals help fight disease, protecting the heart
• Try mixing spinach in smoothies, soups, or pasta dishes
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