New Cardiac Pre-Post Unit – A One-Stop Shop for Treatment
Rebecca Neelis, Public Relations
The Cardiac Pre-Post Unit may not have signage, but with its easy access to the Cath Lab and Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) suites, the new unit ensures that cardiac services are provided in one place—all within TCH’s renowned Heart Institute on the third floor.
The unit’s convenient location effectively eliminates the need for patients to be transported floor to floor—from main admittance, to the procedure area, then to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and finally to the discharge department.
“[The expansion of these areas at the new hospital] created the need for a pre/post care unit close to the Cath Lab and CVOR suites,” explained Kay Cowell, clinical manager of the unit. Five years after the plan originated, the unit debuted in October when The new Children’s Hospital opened.
One to six hours is the typical length of stay for patients in the Cardiac Pre-Post Unit, which is equipped with seven beds – four enclosed with glass doors and three with privacy curtains. Five team members, including one medical assistant and four registered nurses, provide specialized care for inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with a variety of congenital cardiac conditions.
The decreased exposure to different nurses and close proximity of treatment areas results in higher patient satisfaction. “Many of our patients come back many times for repeat or for additional procedures, and they will have staff that they are familiar with. It gives such comfort to our patients to see the same face before and after surgery,” explained Lori Claussen, clinical coordinator of the unit.
Cowell agreed, recalling one woman in particular whose granddaughter underwent multiple transplant rejections. “She was pleased that they could return to the same place for each procedure,” she added.
Patients and their families also benefit from receiving pre- and post-procedure education direct from the unit’s staff. “Our nurses are cardiac-trained, cardiac-focused: Their specialized skill set allows them to offer more extensive knowledge to patients in the unit, as well as more thorough home-care instructions to guardians,” explained Cowell.
The set-up of the Cardiac Pre-Post Unit is a relatively new occurrence among children’s hospitals. “Having cardiology all in one place isn’t a new concept in adult care, but it’s definitely a unique model as far as children’s care goes,” said Cowell.
Knowing that fact, the team continues to learn and grow in this new environment all the while providing consistent, specialized care. Claussen explained one way the staff is doing this is by taking on extra responsibilities.
“The unit is now expanding its role to be also a minor procedure center,” said Claussen. For example, Cardiac patients previously went to the CICU or Cath lab to have minor procedures done such as EP pacing or cardio version. Now these procedures are performed safely in the Cardiac Pre-Post Unit, relieving the staffing in other areas.
If you would like more information about the unit and its scope of services, or to make an appointment, call 720-777-7462.
