At the Heart of the Matter:  The Potential of CHAP Disease Management Programs for Heart Failure

According to the CDC, an estimated 6.5 million adults over the age of 20 have a diagnosis of heart failure.  Certain conditions and unhealthy behaviors can increase the risk for heart failure.  Caring for the heart failure patient in the home can often be challenging and requires a thorough understanding of the disease and the unique interventions required to provide quality care and help them remain in their home and thrive.

The Challenges of Management of Heart Failure in the Home

Heart Failure patients often have complex medical needs and comorbidities that increase their risk of complications.  Coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome increase the risk of heart failure as well as complicating the management of the disease.  Lifestyle choices also impact the management of heart failure, such as limited physical activity, smoking, poor nutrition, and alcohol use.

Home health agencies who utilize standardized care programs can improve the quality of care they provide and help mitigate the risks of rehospitalization.

Heart Failure Program Provides a Framework to Build Your Program

The CHAP Heart Failure Disease Program Certification includes a framework for delivering exceptional Heart Failure care in the home.  This certification equips home health agencies with the tools, knowledge, and best practices needed to deliver exceptional care.  Through certification, agencies can position themselves as trusted partners in heart failure disease management and attract clients who prioritize specialized care and improved outcomes. 

Enhanced Staff Training and Coordination

The Heart Failure Disease Program Certification program provides ongoing education and professional development opportunities for home health agency staff. By investing in staff training and development, agencies can enhance the skills and competencies of their workforce. Certified staff members possess the expertise to manage the complex disease of heart failure, implement evidence-based practices, and provide specialized care. This investment can lead toward overall retention of staff who receive advanced training in caring for patients with heart failure.

Improving Outcomes with Specialized Care for Heart Failure

Patients receiving care from agencies with specialized programs and well-trained staff experience improved outcomes.  Applying evidence-based practices, CHAP Heart Failure Disease Program Certification can have a significant impact on patient outcomes, including:

• Learning self-management strategies to empower the patient to manage their disease, improving their quality of life
• Reduced hospital re-admissions
• Reduced emergency department visits

Conclusion

MAC Legacy and CHAP have collaborated to bring agencies a verified Heart Failure Disease Management Plan.  This plan can serve as a catalyst for home health agencies to improve the quality of their services.  Our Disease Management Plan has what an agency needs to begin or enhance an existing program.  This can improve patient outcomes, enhance staff competency, highlight specialty staff and create a competitive edge.

By adopting evidence-based practices, implementing patient-centered approaches, and emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, agencies can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. 

And at the heart of the matter is the patient and family who is being cared for by certified staff.  They will reap the benefits of high quality, specialized care that can enable them to thrive and remain in their home, living life to the fullest.  Certification provides the opportunity for agencies to develop and implement a program that does just that.

Current MAC Legacy CHAP Verified Disease Programs

• Heart Failure Disease Management Plan
• COPD Disease Management Plan
• Dementia Disease Management Plan