The systemwide training helped standardize care for ventricular assist devices patients.Emergency care teams across the UAB Health System convened for a first-of-its-kind, systemwide training designed to enhance the care of patients with ventricular assist devices, also known as VADs, presenting in emergencies.
This coordinated effort will standardize emergency care practices for VAD patients across all UAB sites of care, including UAB Hospital, UAB St. Vincent’s East, UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, UAB St. Vincent’s Chilton, UAB Medical Westand UAB’s freestanding emergency departments.
The training, sponsored by the UAB Cardiovascular Institute, focused on equipping emergency department professionals with the specialized knowledge and clinical skills required to effectively assess and manage this complex patient population.
The session was led by Maria McAtee, nurse professional development specialist for Mechanical Circulatory Support, who delivered a comprehensive overview of three types of VADs. Participants gained critical insights into device functionality, power sources and key monitoring parameters, as well as best practices for recognizing and managing common complications seen in VAD patients coming to the emergency department.
The initiative was made possible through the leadership and coordination of Peggy Blood, senior director, and Keaton Lloyd, program director of Mechanical Circulatory Support, as they aligned multidisciplinary teams across the health system.
“This training represents a significant step forward in ensuring that every patient with a ventricular assist device receives consistent, high-quality care, no matter where they enter our system,” Blood said.
This effort shows UAB Health System’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and system integration.