Overlook Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehab at New Providence was again certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
The certification, which is recognition of Overlook’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care, is valid for three years. Overlook’s Cardiac Rehab at New Providence, which is part of Atlantic Health System, has received this certification eight consecutive times, starting in 2000.
“Cardiac rehabilitation is an essential phase in the continuum of a patient’s cardiac health,” Dr. Elliott Stein, medical director of the program, said. “Our goal is not only to help patients recover from a cardiac event and build back a strong, healthy heart, but also helping them to lead longer, heart-healthy lives.”
Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, heart valve repairs, heart transplants and specific types of heart failure) recover faster and live healthier lives. This program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
Patients in Overlook’s physician-led Cardiac Rehabilitation program are exercised three times a week for 12 weeks by a care team that includes telemetry-certified registered nurses, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians.
Using carefully monitored exercise regimens and working with patients to guide them to better nutrition, the program seeks to reduce patients’ risks of heart disease and improve their quality of life.
To earn accreditation, Overlook’s Cardiac 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.
