Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center Earns National Recognition for Efforts to Improve Management of Atrial Fibrillation

“Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients with atrial fibrillation by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-AFIB initiative,” said Dr. Felix O. Sogade, Atrium Health Navicent’s The Medical Center’s AFIB medical director. “AFIB is the most common abnormal heart rhythm problem. In addition to causing irregular heartbeats and reduced quality of life, its most deleterious impact is the association as a major cause of stroke. The AFIB program at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center has adopted the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-AFIB initiative to help people live an improved quality of life by following these guidelines. The end goal is to ensure more people in central Georgia can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for AFIB patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their AFIB once at home. There are four levels of achievement: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Participating.

Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center has previously received the Silver award in 2019 and 2020, and met the requirements for the Gold award for 2021 by making an achievement score of 85 percent compliance or greater on the AHA’s quality metrics for two consecutive years.

“We are pleased to recognize Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center for their commitment to atrial fibrillation care,” said Dr. Jonathan Piccini, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association and associate professor of medicine and director of cardiac electrophysiology for Duke University Medical Center. “Hospitals that follow Get With The Guidelines protocols often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for healthcare systems, families and communities.”To find a doctor, visit navicenthealth.org and click “Find a Doctor.”

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.