Sara Paul, DNP, FNP-C, has a passion for helping heart failure patients
improve their quality of life, and that passion has led to a leadership
role in the field both here at home and all over the world.
Here, she oversees the
Heart Function Clinic and the
Heart Failure Support Group as part of her duties with
Catawba Valley Cardiology. But she has also traveled the world on behalf of the American College
of Cardiology to share the knowledge she has gained with others still
working to develop their own programs. Her latest stop was Korea in December,
added to a travelogue that includes Bogota, Australia, Dubai, Manila and
Taipei, where she helps educate other caregivers on treatments, medications
and developing systems of care for heart failure patients.
“Heart failure patients around the world are the same, but the factors
most commonly affecting them may vary in importance from place to place,”
said Dr. Paul. “The obesity rates may be lower in other countries,
while the percentage of smokers may be higher. Ultimately, all of us are
trying to achieve the same thing – improving the quality and longevity
of life for our patients.”
Having seen a lot of changes in technology in her career, Dr. Paul recognizes
the underlying importance of the patient’s ability to learn new
behaviors, make lifestyle changes, and manage their medication. “There
are the tools we can provide for the patient and their family to make
their lives better, and the satisfaction comes from seeing the patient
embrace the challenges and even thrive.”
Dr. Paul’s 30 - plus years of experience have helped Catawba Valley
Health System (CVHS) develop its American College of Cardiology accredited
Heart Failure program, which was recently re-accredited. “We’re proud to have earned
this accreditation, and it’s a great complement to the CVHS’
Chest Pain Accreditation, putting us among the small number of facilities
with both.”
The accreditation is based largely on patient results, but the program’s
administration and practices are also examined. While CVHS has excelled
in patient results, like 30 - day re-admission rates that are less than
half the national average, Paul sites the teamwork as a strength.
“In the hospital, we have Amber Hice, RN, BSN, CHFN, PCCN, and Jonell
Fields , RN-BC working to coordinate efforts and analyze data and patient
response, while in the clinic,we have Heather Ward, RN, BSN, who helps with all the Heart Function Clinic
patients,” Dr. Paul stated. “Of course, there are many others
in the organization who play roles, but we also have great relationships
and care coordination with outside organizations, from the EMS to Home
Health Nurses and Hospice.”
Once each year, CVHS hosts a Heart Failure Workshop, open to all professionals
in the area, for education and discussion of best practices. It is also
a great networking opportunity for healthcare providers dealing with similar
patient issues.
“I’ve worked in several organizations in my career, and I think
it is the cooperation and teamwork here at CVHS that sets us apart. Patient
care is the number one priority, and everyone here is focused on working
together to maintain and improve the high level of care we offer,”
Dr. Paul says. “I love my relationships with patients and their
families, and they are made stronger by the relationships we have in our
healthcare community. That’s something I share everywhere I travel
– communication and cooperation lead to better patient care. ”
If you or someone you love is suffering from heart failure, click here
to learn more about the
Heart Function Clinic at CVHS, or about the
Heart Failure Support Group.