For the millions of people in the United States living with heart failure, managing the condition can be difficult. OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center recognizes that people with heart failure need extra time, medical attention and education to help keep them healthy and out of the hospital. To achieve this, in 2013 we created the OSF Little Company of Mary Heart Failure Clinic, and it’s been helping area patients live a better life, ever since.
“Treatment for heart failure is complex because patients are often struggling with other chronic diseases such as diabetes or coronary artery disease at the same time. Even small complications can lead to major health problems,” said Chadi Nouneh, MD, medical director of Cardiology at OSF Little Company of Mary. “We help patients recognize and get help for these issues before they become a crisis. That can make a big difference in a person’s health and their quality of life.”
The clinic’s multidisciplinary team of experts includes advance practice nurses (APNs), nurses with specialties in heart failure, diabetes and wound care, pharmacists, dietitians and others who are overseen by the primary care or consulting physicians. The goal of the Heart Failure Clinic is to work with these experts for an adjunt approach to better health care and a healthy lifestyle for the patients.
“The overall goal of the clinic is to help patients feel better and improve their quality of life by enhancing their ability to manage their disease. This approach can ultimately prevent heart failure–related hospital readmissions,” Dr. Nouneh said. “Through comprehensive disease-specific education and personalized treatment for the patient and family, we address the unique needs of each patient.”
Heart failure is a national problem, with approximately 25% of heart failure patients being readmitted to the hospital within just one month after their initial discharge. Not only can this be costly for the patient, but it doesn’t prevent future problems. Readmission rates drop significantly for patients who receive treatment in the Heart Failure Clinic.
The clinic is open five days a week and has a new and more convienant location. The clinic is now located on the first floor of the Cancer Center in the South Pavilion. Patients can attend OSF Little Company of Mary's Congestive Heart Failure Clinic with a referral from their health care provider. To learn more about the referral process, call (708) 229-4278 (229-HART).