St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Successfully Completes The Joint Commission Ventricular Assist Device Survey
St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital (SLEH) has been recognized for successfully completing The Joint Commission survey for the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) program.
“Our exceptional team has demonstrated its continued commitment and dedication to providing Faithful, Loving Care® to our VAD patients as indicated by The Joint Commission certification,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, DrPH, CEO, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Senior Vice President, St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System. “Congratulations to the VAD team for another successful survey.”
The Joint Commission’s standards go beyond just the 'basics' of state and federal regulations—they set consistently high expectations for quality and safety. Successfully meeting these standards is not a simple accomplishment and requires consistent multi-disciplinary collaboration and cooperation in the care of patients with advanced heart failure.
CMS requires St. Luke’s to obtain this certification because the hospital provides VAD (Destination Therapy) services to Medicare/ Medicaid patients. The 1.5 day on-site survey, which occurs every other year, is similar to other regulatory requirements as the surveyor reviews records, performs tracer rounds, evaluates outcomes, evaluates compliance with national standards, and interviews staff, physicians and patients.
The surveyor praised the work of the VAD coordinators, physicians, RNs and circulatory support staff. The following VAD best practices also were noted:
