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Franciscan Health Crown Point's emergency department has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in Indiana, and one of only 13 nationwide, to receive the American College of Emergency Physicians' (ACEP) Pain and Addiction Care in the Emergency Department (PACED) Gold Level accreditation. This recognition underscores the hospital's commitment to improving pain management for patients within its emergency department.
The PACED program, governed by ACEP, aims to enhance pain management practices in emergency settings. It acknowledges departments that prioritize prompt, safe, and effective treatment for patients experiencing pain or addiction issues. The Gold Level accreditation is the highest tier available under this program.
Franciscan Health Crown Point's achievement was made possible through a collaborative effort involving a multidisciplinary team both within the hospital and the broader community. The accreditation highlights their comprehensive approach to patient care, focusing on advanced treatment protocols and resources for managing pain and addiction.
"We are honored and privileged to receive this accreditation as it took a lot of hard work and collaboration with our multidisciplinary team in order to achieve," stated Erin DiMichele, Nursing Director of Critical Care Services at Franciscan Health Crown Point. "This accreditation provides a mechanism to ensure we are maintaining high quality care and incorporating innovations to the standard of care for our patients."
The application process required Franciscan Health Crown Point to demonstrate various policies and procedures related to pain and addiction care. This included accountability measures for opioid medication administration, alternative pain treatment methods, and addiction treatment capabilities.
Jennifer Homan, manager of trauma services at Franciscan Health Crown Point, noted that their dedicated team has been working with patients dealing with addiction for several years. "After winning the Peregrine Innovation trauma award in 2022," she said, "other healthcare providers became inspired to help reduce the effects of addiction in our community. The PACED model allows us to focus on meeting the needs of our patients in a true patient-centered care model that allows us to work as a team with the patient."
The PACED Gold Level accreditation will remain valid for three years.
