After surgery, it's important that patients, physicians, and caregivers strive to avoid readmission. Readmission rates directly affect providers and costs, but they also create different sorts of risks for patients as well. Being readmitted to the hospital after cardiac surgery is also especially stressful for patients.
One tool available for cardiac surgery recovery is the Heart Hugger, an external support harness that provides a range of benefits and can reduce readmission rates. There are a few reasons for this, including:
- Wound stability
- Support for coughing, sneezing, or other excess movements
- Pain relief
- Reduced complications
- Locus of Control -- giving patients control over their recovery and pain management
That final point -- patient's locus of control -- is an important psychological aspect of recovery. One favored benefit of Heart Hugger is the simple way it facilitates recovery by offering control to the patient. Part of it is psychological, yes, but it's also physical in that Heart Hugger offers support during small things, like coughing, and can add a layer of pain relief by the way it's designed.
Heart Hugger is comfortable to wear and easy to use, so it's an aspect of post-operation recovery that can easily be integrated in any cardiac surgery plan. Patients begin wearing it right after surgery and can continue wearing it for 4-6 weeks after. This is the critical time period when most readmissions occur, so it's a smart addition that isn't complicated.
Learn more about Heart Hugger, what it can do for cardiac surgery patients, and how it can help reduce readmission by contacting us today!
