Diagnosed with advanced Congestive Heart Failurein 2013, Dimitrios Halkias’ life changed with his referral to Mackenzie Health’s new Heart Function Clinic. From multiple visits to the Emergency Department and stays in hospital, as well as difficulty in managing his condition at home, Dimitrios’ health and quality of life hasnow improved significantly with the help of Mackenzie Health’s expert team.
“If it wasn’t for the doctor and nurse practitioner in the Heart Function Clinic, my husband wouldn’t be here today,” says Dimitrios’ wife, Elpiniky Halkias. “Thanks to all the care and education received at the clinic, my husband is 100 per cent better than a year ago. We have both learned immensely about observing and managing his symptoms, as well as what changes to make in our day to day life to ease his condition.”
Congestive Heart Failureoccurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the needs of the body. A chronic condition, congestive heart failure is primarily managed with medication, lifestyle adjustments and sometimes with cardiac procedures and devices. Since joining the clinic, Dimitrios has not had the need for any emergency room visits or hospitalizations. Moreover, his symptoms have fully resolved and his quality of life has improved.
“He always looks forward to his check-up, and it brings comfort to us both to know that we have a team looking after him, checking up on him, listening to his concerns and guiding him through the process. They truly care for him and our family,” adds Ms. Halkias.
In February 2014, Mackenzie Health opened the Heart Function Clinic for patients with Congestive Heart Failure, where they are cared for and followed-up regularly by their primary cardiologist and a nurse practitioner specialized in cardiology.
Dr. Victoria Chan, Chief of Medicine Department and Medical Director for Emergency and Medicine Program at Mackenzie Health, says that the Heart Function Clinic is a tremendously beneficial initiative for patients with Congestive Heart Failure. “The Clinic empowers patients and their families to take charge of their care by truly understanding the condition, the symptoms and how to manage them, all while supported by an integrated team of professionals. Ultimately, this initiative helps patients better manage their condition so they do not end up in crisis situations that require hospital re-admissions and improves patients and families’ quality of life.”
Cardiologists, together with the nurse practitioner, work in close collaboration in the Heart Function Clinic along with the family physician, the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), as well as patients and their family/caregivers, to identify patients’ care needs and to formulate and implement a comprehensive care plan. When carried out under the supervision of a specialized team such as Mackenzie Health’s Heart Function Clinic, the coordinated approach can make a significant difference in patients’ lives.
“The Heart Function Clinic is part of an overall heart health initiative transforming patient care at Mackenzie Health,” says Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health. “The personalized and focused care provided at the clinic is just one example of how we are working to create an exceptional patient and family experience.”
Between February and July 2014, 65 high risk heart failure patients between the ages of 34 and 100 years were referred to the Heart Function Clinic. Collectively, during the six months that the clinic has been operational, patients were seen in person 129 times and received approximately 650 follow-up telephone calls. As a direct result of this comprehensive approach to care and support, the majority of patients were able to better manage their condition at home, avoiding the need for a visit to the Emergency Department or admission to hospital.
My Heart Health Passport
As part of the chronic disease management process, Mackenzie Health also offers My Heart Health Passport for patients with Congestive Heart Failure. This document includes patients’ medical information and serves as a guide for their ongoing health, wellness and follow-ups. The passport also provides information on early signs of possible concern that patients need to discuss with their healthcare team and allows patients to track their symptoms. Patients and/or their caregivers are instructed on the use of the passport while in hospital (i.e. to record their weight daily) and are encouraged to use it as part of their care after discharge.
Aligned with chronic disease management principles, My Heart Health Passport recognizes the fact that patients and their family/caregivers are an integral part of the healthcare team and encourages patients to take an active role in their chronic disease management.
Training Our Staff
Three Mackenzie Health Late Career Nurses are trained as ambassadors for excellence in heart failure care. Their primary role is to coach nurses in other areas of the hospital where patients with heart failure are admitted, on how to support patients in implementing effective self-care strategies. Such strategies include safe and effective exercise, nutrition and medication counseling, all intended to create a healthier lifestyle.
“With this initiative, we have tangible evidence that improved communication between patients and their healthcare teams, combined with enhanced education for patients and their families, has led to increased effectiveness of treatment and better outcomes for our patients,” says Tiziana Rivera, Chief Nursing Executive and Chief Practice Officer at Mackenzie Health.
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For more information, contact:
Melina Cormier
Chief, Communications and Public Affairs
Mackenzie Health
Tel: (905) 883-1212 ext. 7492
E-mail: melina.cormier@mackenziehealth.ca
Catalina Guran
Communications and Public Affairs Consultant
Mackenzie Health
Tel: (905) 883-1212 ext. 7490