Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This disease-specific certification has only been achieved by 11 other health care facilities in the nation, and only one other in Texas. The certification award recognizes organizations that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for COPD patients.
COPD is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. COPD is the leading cause of death in the U.S. behind cancer and heart disease. The condition affects an estimated 24 million Americans, many who have symptoms and don't even know it.
To achieve the certification, the Baylor Martha Foster Lung Care Center underwent a rigorous on-site review in February 2016. Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards as well as with COPD-specific requirements.
Established in 2007 and awarded for a two-year period, The Joint Commission's Advanced Certification in COPD was developed in collaboration with the American Lung Association. The certification recognizes Joint Commission-accredited organizations with successful programs that focus their efforts on:
- Staff education requirements
- Use of spirometry
- Smoking cessation
- Risk factor reduction
- Patient education on self-management of COPD
- Coordination of care
"Achieving Joint Commission advanced certification in COPD is just one example of our commitment to continually maintain and improve the level of care we provide to meet the unique and specialized needs of COPD patients. We are always striving to find new ways to improve our patients' lives through innovative treatment options, programs, or new medications," said Mark Millard, MD, pulmonologist and medical director of the Martha Foster Lung Care Center at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
For example, GEMS (Group Exercise Monitored Support) is an ongoing exercise program offered for individuals with COPD in a supervised setting. Pulmonary Rehabilitation is an innovative program which has been showcased at national respiratory conferences and exemplifies the ongoing commitment of Baylor Martha Foster Lung Care Canter to develop new and successful strategies for patients with respiratory symptoms.
"Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas has thoroughly demonstrated a high level of care for patients with COPD," said Wendi J. Roberts, RN, executive director, Certification Programs, The Joint Commission. "We commend Baylor Martha Foster Lung Care Center for becoming a leader in COPD care, potentially providing a higher standard of service for lung disease patients in its community."
Baylor University Medical Center was also nationally recognized as a "High Performer" for COPD treatment and care by U.S. News & World Report for 2015-16, placing the program among the nation's top 10 percent.
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The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer McDowell
214-820-4581
Jennifer.McDowell@BSWHealth.org
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com