[DRUM BEATS]
BILL: Music is everything to me.
When I play music, I tend to forget
anything else, particularly anything that bothers me.
It was a routine checkup.
LAURA WEDDERBURN, M.D.: Bill.
How are you?
BILL: My primary care physician ordered an EKG, the results
of which concerned her greatly.
My heart was in bad shape.
[DRUM BEATS]
BILL: A heartbeat's kind of like a drumbeat.
If it's irregular, the song is going to fall apart.
[DRUMMING]
Dr. Michael Pham, right from the outset, seemed to have--
I'd have to call it a charming bedside manner.
MICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: I'm proud of you.
You need a little shave, but other than that--
PATIENT: I know.
Well, nobody here knows how to do that.
BILL: He came across with just the right sense of the gravity
of the situation.
MICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: Hi, Bill.
How are you feeling?
BILL: I'm doing fine, doctor.
How are you?
But also, the prospects for a reasonable outcome.
MICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: Bill's a great guy.
He was referred to me to optimize and adjust
his medications.
CYNTHIA WONG, Pharm.D. The great thing about medications
specifically for heart failure is
that they are disease-modifying medications, literally
life and death.
Patients do need an advocate because the insurance companies
are so complex.
BILL: My pharmacy technician always answers my calls.
LAURA WEDDERBURN, M.D.: The heart failure care pathway
is one of four care pathways that
was created through collaborating
with multiple specialists for several years.
MICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: It really ensures
that we are all aligned in terms of knowing what to do
and when to do it.
PHYSICIAN: It's a more streamlined experience
for the patient and certainly much more
gratifying for the physician.
MICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: The heart failure of care
pathway is a great example of the Power
of Practice in action.
CELESTE CHAVEZ, MSN, FNP-C: For me, the Power of Practice
symbolizes us working together as one entity.
MICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: This is the beginning of the next chapter
for us at Sutter Health.
And it's really exciting.
BILL: The care I received from Sutter Health was exceptional.
They saved my life.
[GENTLE MUSIC]
Bill Oaks, a Bay Area musician, strikes a chord of triumph in his battle with heart failure thanks to the innovative approaches of Sutter’s Heart Failure Care Pathway.
Oaks’ journey began with a routine check-up, where he received the alarming news about his heart condition.
“A heartbeat is like a drumbeat,” said Oaks, a Sutter Health patient, drawing parallels between his music and his health. “If it’s irregular, the song is going to fall apart.”
Bill Oaks receives an EKG to ensure his heart is beating correctly.
Oaks is in good hands with Michael X. Pham, M.D., medical director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program and chief of cardiology at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center and his team. They carefully navigated Oaks’ initial prognosis, which included the possibility of advanced heart failure therapies like a heart transplant or implantation of an LVAD – a left ventricular assist device.
Dr. Pham, known for his meticulous approach, saw Oaks monthly, adjusting his medication to optimal levels. This relentless focus on personalized care paid off. Within six years, Oaks achieved a stable condition, free from hospitalizations and the need for advanced therapies.
The care team’s approach reflects the principles of Sutter’s Heart Failure Care Pathway.
“The essence of the Heart Failure Care Pathway is really having primary care physicians, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, cardiologists and heart failure specialists working together,” said Dr. Pham. “This collaborative approach is vital to improving patient lives.”
Why the Heart Failure Care Pathway
The Heart Failure Care Pathway, Sutter Health’s first care pathway, emphasizes whole-person health, focusing on prevention, diet, diagnosis, treatment, appropriate referrals and patient education. It serves as a blueprint for managing chronic conditions for large patient populations.
“A care pathway really ensures that we are all aligned in terms of knowing what to do and when to do it,” said Dr. Pham.
Dr. Michael X. Pham says the Sutter Heart Failure Care Pathway “is really having primary care physicians, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, cardiologists and heart failure specialists working together. This collaborative approach is vital to improving patient lives.”
Since its inception in fall 2023, the Heart Failure Care Pathway has seen positive feedback from physicians and advanced practice clinicians within Sutter. With heart failure affecting an estimated 8 million Americans by 2030, and one in 10 Sutter Health patients over 65 living with the condition, this initiative is critical.
“It’s a comprehensive approach, including physician support tools, Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy optimization and patient education to ensure equitable, accessible care,” said Dr. Pham.
What’s Ahead in 2024?
Looking ahead to 2024, Sutter Health focuses on acute care and transitioning patients from hospital to home. Additionally, the system dashboard is being enhanced to better identify heart failure patients and track outcomes.
“By standardizing best practices, our aim is to reduce rehospitalizations and enhance quality of life,” said Dr. Pham.
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