In recognition of its expertise in serving adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), Nebraska Medicine and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s joint Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) program has received accreditation from the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA), a nationwide organization focused on connecting patients, family members and health care providers to form a community of support and network of experts with knowledge of CHD.
Individuals with CHD, the most common birth defect diagnosed in one in 100 births, are living longer. There are now 1.4 million adults in the U.S. living with one of the many different types of congenital heart defects that range from simple to complex. The Nebraska Medicine/Children’s program annually treats around 1,500 ACHD patients from across the region at both institutions.
“Already home to Nebraska’s only board certified experts in ACHD, the program is now one of the country’s first to be nationally accredited in comprehensive care,” said program co-director Shane Tsai, M.D., cardiologist and congenital heart disease specialist. “This distinction reflects our ability to provide extraordinary multidisciplinary services, and patients can feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care in the region.”
The joint program received accreditation by meeting ACHA’s criteria, which includes medical services and personnel requirements, and going through a rigorous accreditation process, both of which were developed over a number of years through a collaboration with doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and ACHD patients.
“This accreditation recognizes not only that we provide exceptional cardiac care, but also comprehensive expertise and support for ACHD patients at every stage,” said Jon Cramer, M.D., pediatric and adult congenital cardiologist and program co-director. “We offer support for a teen’s transition to adult care, a pregnant patient in need of increased monitoring, unique OB/GYN care, specialized anesthesia services and all aspects of cardiac treatment and intervention. The ACHA acknowledges that this breadth of services leads to better patient outcomes and experiences.”
“There are now more adults than children in the U.S. with CHD,” said Mark Roeder, president and CEO of ACHA. “Accreditation will elevate the standard of care and have a positive impact on the futures of those living with this disease. Coordination of care is key, and this accreditation program will make care more streamlined for ACHD patients, improving their quality of life.”
Congratulations, Shane!