Quality
Planetree
Adventist Health Howard Memorial (AHHM) established a tradition of patient-centered care many years ago and the tradition lives on through the efforts of each of our employees, volunteers and staff. Even though we believe we give great patient care, we can always reach the next tier of Excellence. We have partnered with Planetree to help us do just that and are almost two years into our journey to become a Planetree Designated Hospital.
The philosophy was founded in 1978 in the Bay Area by a patient (Angelica Thieriot) who felt she wasn't being treated in an individualized way. She was lonely and afraid even though the medical center was "high tech." The Planetree model of care is a patient-centered, holistic approach to health care, promoting mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and physical healing. At AHHM we empower patients and families through the exchange of information, and by encouraging healing partnerships with caregivers. We seek to maximize positive health care outcomes by integrating optimal medical therapies and incorporating art and nature into the healing environment.
Planetree's Mission
Planetree is a non-profit organization that provides education and information
in a collaborative community of health care organizations, facilitating
efforts to create patient centered care in healing environments.
Planetree's Vision
As a global catalyst and leader, Planetree promotes the development and
implementation of innovative models of health care that focus on healing
and nurturing body, mid, and spirit.
The Planetree Model
Since its founding in 1978 as a non-profit organization, Planetree has
continued to be a pioneer in personalizing and demystifying the healthcare
experience for patients and their families. Founded by a patient, the
Planetree Model is committed to enhancing health care from the patient's
perspective. It empowers patients and families through information and
education, and encourages "healing partnerships" with caregivers
to support active participation. Through organizational transformation,
the Planetree Model creates healing environments in which patients can
be active participants and caregivers are enabled to thrive.
Components of The Planetree Model
Human Interactions
Planetree believes that all individuals are caregivers and have the ability
to influence the experience of patients and their families. Our focus
is on human beings caring for other human beings. This includes providing
personalized care for patients and their families as well as creating
organizational cultures which support and nurture staff.
The Importance of Family, Friends and Social Support
Social support is vital to good health. Planetree encourages involvement
of family and friends whenever possible, offering unrestricted visiting,
including in the ICU and ER, and provides the option of family presence
during invasive procedures and resuscitation. The Care Partner Program
promotes a heightened level of family participation while patients are
hospitalized and at home after discharge. Families are encouraged to stay
overnight whenever possible.
Empowering Patients through Information and Education
Illness is seen as an educational and potentially transformational opportunity.
An open chart policy encourages patients to read their medical records
and write in the Patient's Progress Notes. A Self Medication Program
enables patients to keep medications at the bedside. Collaborative care
conferences, patient pathways, and a variety of educational resources
provide patients with information and skills to actively participate in
their care. Patient and family libraries are available throughout the
hospital and Planetree Health Resource Centers, open to the community,
offer health and medical information on a wide range of topics including
complementary therapies.
Architectural Design Conducive to Health and Healing
The physical environment is vital to healing. Each facility is home-like
and non-institutional, valuing humans, not just technology. By removing
architectural barriers, the design encourages patient and family involvement.
An awareness of the symbolic/semiotic messages communicated by the design
is an essential part of planning. Spaces are provided for both solitude
and social activities, including libraries, kitchens, lounges, activity
rooms, chapels, gardens and overnight accommodation for families.
The Importance of the Nutritional and Nurturing Aspects of Food
Nutrition is integral to healing, essential not only for good health but
as a source of pleasure, comfort and familiarity. Health care facilities
become role models for delicious, healthy eating, with kitchens available
throughout the facility to encourage families to bring the patient's favorite
food from home or prepare meals for themselves. Volunteers bake breads,
muffins and cookies to provide "aromatherapy" and to create
a nurturing environment.
Healing Arts: Nutrition for the Soul
Music, storytellers, clowns, and funny movies create an atmosphere of serenity
and playfulness in the Planetree Model. Artwork in patient rooms, treatment
areas and on art carts add to the ambiance. Art carts enable patients
to select the artwork of their choice. Volunteers work with patients who
would like to create their own art, while artists, musicians, poets and
story tellers from the local community help to expand the boundaries of
the health care facility.
Spirituality: The Importance of Inner Resources
Planetree recognizes the vital role of spirituality in healing the whole
person. Supporting patients, families and staff in connecting with their
own inner resources enhances the healing environment. Chapels, gardens,
labyrinths and meditation rooms provide opportunities for reflection and
prayer. Chaplains are seen as vital members of the health care team.
The Importance of the Human Touch
Touch is an essential way of communicating caring often omitted from the
clinical setting. Massage and Reiki are available for patients, families
and staff. Training programs for volunteers to teach hand and foot rubs,
and internship programs for massage therapists keep costs minimal. Nurses,
doctors and other staff find massage, even a brief neck and shoulder rub,
to be a useful way to deal with stress.
Complementary Therapies: Expanding Patient Choices
To meet growing consumer demand for complementary therapies, Planetree
affiliates have instituted heart disease reversal programs, guided imagery,
therapeutic touch, acupuncture, Tai Chi and yoga. Aromatherapy's calming
effect on agitated patients is useful during labor and MRI's. Pet therapy
can elevate mood, lower blood pressure and enhance social interaction.
Healthy Communities: Expanding the Boundaries of Healthcare
Working with schools, senior citizen centers, churches and other community
partners, hospitals are redefining healthcare to include the health and
wellness of the larger community. Choosing environmentally friendly cleaning
products and sponsoring "kid's camps", walking clubs, and community
gardens, expands the role of hospitals from illness to wellness.
If you would like to learn more about Planetree go to planetree.org where we are listed as a Planetree affiliate hospital or contact Jill Damian, Patient Experience Director at damianj@ah.org.