KDMC achieves Afib certification again
The American College of Cardiology has recognized King’s Daughters Medical Center, Ashland, Ky., for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). King’s Daughters was awarded Atrial Fibrillation with EPS Accreditation in November based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with atrial fibrillation.
This is the second cycle of AFib accreditation for King’s Daughters.
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia where the heartbeat is irregular and often rapid, which can lead to increased risk of stroke, heart failure and other complications. Facilities earning Atrial Fibrillation with EPS Accreditation not only demonstrate management of atrial fibrillation, but also provide full electrophysiology and surgical services.
Hospitals that employ an evidence-based, protocol-driven and systematic approach to managing AFib have been able to reduce time to treatment, better identify and predict high-risk patients, and limit the length-of-stay in the emergency department and the hospital.
“ACC Accreditation Services is proud to bestow Atrial Fibrillation with EPS Accreditation on King’s Daughters,” said Abraham Joseph, vice president of ACC Accreditation Services. “We commend KDMC for its demonstrated commitment to providing the Tri-State area with excellent care of AFib patients.”
Hospitals receiving Atrial Fibrillation with EPS 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 guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the precise care of atrial fibrillation patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes, and more effective and efficient disease control.
The ACC and the American Heart Association are collaborating to offer U.S. hospitals like King’s Daughters access to a comprehensive suite of co-branded cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including AFib.
King's Daughters heart rhythm specialists include John Van Deren, M.D., Ola Khraisha, M.D., Terence Ross, M.D., and Kristin Ellison, M.D. Our electrophysiologists see patients in Ashland, Louisa, Grayson and Prestonsburg, Ky., and in Portsmouth, Ohio.
