Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC) is proud to announce it has been chosen to participate in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) IMPLEMENT-EF initiative, supported by Bayer. This national program aims to improve in-hospital care for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) by identifying unmet needs, mapping gaps in the patient journey, and defining ideal care models. CPRMC is the only hospital in South Carolina and one of just 40 hospitals nationwide selected for this opportunity.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission at CPRMC,” said Dr. Brian Sponseller, CEO of Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. “We are deeply committed to identifying gaps in healthcare for our community and taking action to close them. Being part of IMPLEMENT-EF allows us to do this on a national stage while collaborating with leading experts to enhance patient care for heart failure.”

Heart failure affects millions of Americans each year. HFpEF occurs when the heart contracts normally but does not relax properly during ventricular filling, while HFmrEF indicates a mildly reduced ejection fraction. Both types of heart failure require timely recognition and evidence-based treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Over the course of this three-year quality improvement initiative, multidisciplinary teams at CPRMC will engage in process mapping, quality improvement consultations, and collaborative learning with peer hospitals and nationally recognized experts. The program will focus on improving medication management, raising provider awareness of best practices, and enhancing adherence to evidence-based therapies, leveraging insights from AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure data.

By participating, CPRMC will not only advance care for patients in the local community but also contribute to a national effort to develop replicable models that elevate standards of care for HFpEF and HFmrEF patients across the country.

“HFpEF is one of the most misunderstood types of heart failure, and this program was created to help close that knowledge gap,” said Susan Wayne, Quality Coordinator at CPRMC. “Through IMPLEMENT-EF, we hope to increase education for both our healthcare community and our patients, ensuring everyone has access to the best possible care. We are honored to represent South Carolina in this initiative and look forward to sharing successful practices with hospitals nationwide.”

For more information about heart-related services at CPRMC, go to cprmc.com/heart. For more information about the American Heart Association’s IMPLEMENT-EF initiative, visit heart.org/IMPLEMENTEF.

About Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center

As part of the ScionHealth network of hospitals, Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC) provides high-quality healthcare services to the people of several counties in northeastern South Carolina. Patients have come to rely on our experienced, skilled staff and physicians to provide them with the highest level of care and compassion. Through the facilities on our campus, including a 116-bed acute care hospital and an adjoining medical office building, we provide comprehensive services with two things in mind: the care and comfort of our patients. Learn more about CPRMC at cprmc.com.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.