St. Jude Medical Center proudly received certification of its Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This honor highlights the hospital’s commitment to using today’s most advanced practices to help restore the health and quality of life of those with chronic lung conditions.
The hospital’s multidisciplinary, 6-12-week program combines therapeutic exercise, education, and nutrition counseling to improve the well-being and independence of individuals affected by COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, restrictive lung disease, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension.
AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of pulmonary rehabilitation because of their use of evidence-based practices and success in helping patients reach their maximum physical and emotional potential. The St. Jude Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program participated in an application process that required extensive documentation of the program’s practices and outcomes.
The number of Americans who die from chronic respiratory diseases has increased dramatically over the past 35 years, led in large part by deaths from COPD. From 1980 through 2014, 85 percent of the deaths—3.9 million people—were from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which moved up to become the third leading cause of death, ahead of stroke, in the United States.
“We are proud of our pulmonary rehabilitation team for their expertise and significant impact on our patients’ quality of life,” said Brian Helleland, Chief Executive, St. Jude Medical Center. “Individuals unable to even walk to their mailbox, by the end of the program, are able to do their own grocery shopping and attend their grandchildren’s events and games. Providing life-changing excellence is at the heart of our mission.”
AACVPR Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to evaluate individual programs for adherence to quality standards and guidelines developed by AACVPR and other professional organizations.
About St. Jude Medical Center:
St. Jude Medical Center is a faith-based, non-profit 320-bed tertiary care hospital in Fullerton, California. Established 60 years ago by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, the Magnet-designated hospital has earned a reputation for clinical excellence and award-winning care, including being named one of California’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. St. Jude’s physicians and caregivers offer specialized care in neurosciences, stroke, digestive diseases, cancer, orthopedics, maternal/newborn, robotic and minimally-invasive surgery, cardiac and rehabilitation. Please visit stjudemedicalcenter.org for more information.
