The American College of Cardiology has recognized Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for its expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain, according to a press release from the hospital.
PBRMC was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in June 2021 based on an onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
“The American College of Cardiology Accreditation allows PBRMC to implement evidence-based guidelines, quality initiatives and best practices to improve cardiovascular outcomes and reduce variations in care for our patients and our community,” said Director of Cardiology Services Rodney Brown, RN, BSN, MBA.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms.
Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year, according to PBRMC. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes.
In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI.
“PBRMC has demonstrated its commitment to providing Poplar Bluff with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success.
Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.
“We have two accreditations from the American College of Cardiology, Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Cardiac Cath Lab. These accreditations are based on a rigorous evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. We are very proud of all of the staff that are instrumental in helping us reach these standards,” said PBRMC’s Chest Pain Coordinator Cheryl Joy, RN, MSN.