CHF-VIP

New York Methodist's Congestive Heart Failure Volunteer Intervention Program (CHF-VIP) was created to enhance patients’ understanding of chronic heart failure and to teach patients practical techniques and skills to help manage their disease.  CHF-VIP Volunteers partner with patients and NYM professional staff members to bridge the gap in patient information through education. 

Volunteers interview CHF patients, using health literacy techniques, to determine the patient’s knowledge and ability to grasp the importance of ongoing maintenance of this disease (including: medication regimens, daily weight management, diet adherence and the importance of consistent follow up with physician through post-discharge appointments).  To support the patient at home the volunteers make follow-up phone calls to: boost patient involvement, improve patient awareness, with the goal to ultimately reduce rates of re-hospitalization within thirty days.  CHF-VIP volunteers are also responsible for assisting with mobilization of patients, distributing meal trays, stocking supplies, and any other tasks that facilitate patient-centered care.  

Highlights of the CHF Program:

• Public health
• Health literacy
• Pre-medical education
• Cardiology
• Nursing

Requirements of this program:

• Completion of initial application and interview
• Completion of medical clearance and general orientation.
• Completion of CHF-specific group training. Please note this training will be provided during the work week.
• Completion of CHF volunteer-to-volunteer training
• Commitment to eight to ten hours a week, with at least four of those hours falling between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.
• A full six-month commitment.