Cardiac Program

One of the few specialized cardiac programs in the United States, NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care offers advanced heart disease patients with symptom management to better enjoy life at home.

In 2002 the Cardiac Program of NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care was named Program of the Year by the Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care Association.

Closely monitor and manage symptoms to reduce episodes of crisis

Specialized protocols and treatment pathways designed for end stage cardiac disease

The ability to provide dobutamine therapy

Reduced hospital stays and emergency room visits

Improve quality of life and help the patient accomplish important goals

When patients with maximally treated heart disease would like to avoid further re-hospitalizations and are not candidates for further surgical procedures, the cardiac hospice program can assist the physician, patient, and family to manage the symptoms of heart disease at home.

The program includes specific, intensive education on heart disease, the diagnosis and management of problems, and algorithms written to access very timely symptom control at home.

The success of the program is two-fold: it is indicated by the marked decrease in ER visits and hospitalizations for these patients related to their heart disease; and patients and families have reported their satisfaction with more intense care at home and the relief of not requiring the emergency room to deal with disease exacerbations.

Providing patient education about the disease, its management and treatment, as well as having medications in the home with a plan of care to treat symptoms immediately, builds confidence that allows the patient to stay in the home setting.

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