Our Planetree Affiliation – Caring for Your Body, Mind, and Spirit
Planetree Proud.
Griffin Hospital is proud to be a Planetree facility, facilitating exceptional healthcare in a manner that works best for our patients. In a patient-centered approach to healthcare, providers such as Griffin Hospital partner with patients and their family members to identify and satisfy the full range of patient needs and preferences. Patient-centered care is the core of a high-quality health care system and a necessary foundation for safe, effective, efficient, timely, and equitable care. Click in to learn more about Griffin Hospital and our Planetree model of care.
An innovative model of healthcare that puts patients’ needs first.
Planetree Inc. is a consumer healthcare organization dedicated to humanizing health care. The Planetree, or sycamore tree, is the tree under which Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine, sat when he began teaching his medical students many centuries ago.
An emphasis on patient and family education and involvement.
In 1992, Griffin Hospital instituted Planetree, an innovative model of healthcare that puts patients’ needs first. Griffin Hospital is the flagship of the Planetree network of hundreds of hospitals in the United States, Canada, South America, Japan and the Netherlands.
Every aspect of care at Griffin Hospital is shaped by Planetree principles – from our welcoming, comfortable interiors, to our emphasis on patient and family education and involvement, to our exceptional healthcare.
As a result, Griffin Hospital receives consistently high patient satisfaction scores. The components of the Planetree model are designed to empower patients, to foster their independence, to honor their humanity, and to enhance the healing environment at a time when they often feel vulnerable and anxious.
Healthcare that works best for you and your family.
The primary focus of Planetree is to deliver healthcare in a manner that works best for patients. In a patient-centered approach to healthcare, providers partner with patients and their family members to identify and satisfy the full range of patient needs and preferences. Patient-centered care is the core of a high-quality health care system and a necessary foundation for safe, effective, efficient, timely, and equitable care.
The Planetree Philosophy
We believe…
- that we are human beings, caring for other human beings
- we are all caregivers
- care giving is best achieved through kindness and compassion
- safe, accessible, high quality care is fundamental to patient-centered care
- in a holistic approach to meeting people’s needs of body, mind and spirit families, friends and loved ones are vital to the healing process
- access to understandable health information can empower individuals to participate in their health care
- the opportunity for individuals to make personal choices related to their care is essential
- physical environments can enhance healing, health and wellbeing
- illness can be a transformational experience for patients, families and caregivers
Planetree Components
- Human Interaction
Human beings caring for other human beings, creating a healing environment for patients, families, and staff members. - Family, Friends, & Social Support
Contribute to the quality of the hospital experience by promoting caring connections between the patients and their support systems. - Information & Education
Patients, families, and community members are provided with increased access to meaningful information. - Nutritional & Nurturing Aspects of Food
Choice and personalized service, in combination with sound nutrition practices, add pleasure, comfort, and familiarity. - Architecture & Interior Design
The Planetree design considers the patients’ wellbeing. The hospital is welcoming and accessible, providing clearly marked signs for direction, comfortable and familiar rooms, and designs that engage the senses and break down barriers. - Arts & Entertainment
Music, artwork, theater, crafts, and clowns offer engagement and enjoyment to enhance the clinical environment. - Spirituality
Planetree recognizes the vital role of spirituality in healing the whole person. From chaplains to meditation programs, hospitals can provide opportunities for reflection and support of spiritual needs. - Human Touch
Touch reduces anxiety, pain, and stress, benefiting patients, families, and staff members. - Complementary Therapies
Expand the choices offered to patients. Aromatherapy, therapy dog visitation, acupuncture, and Reiki are offered in addition to clinical modalities of care - Healthy Communities
Expand the boundaries of health care. Working with schools, senior centers, churches, and other community partners, organizations are redefining healthcare to include the health and wellness of the larger community.
History
Planetree was first introduced to Griffin Hospital over 20 years ago as a prototype on the renovated East A and B patient care units. The Planetree patient-driven care philosophy was expanded hospital-wide upon completion of the North Wing in June of 1994. The North Wing is the first facility in the nation to be designed and constructed around the Planetree philosophy and remains the largest fully-Planetree facility in the nation.
The Planetree model was founded on the belief that if patients have access to information regarding their illness and hospitalization, they can become active participants in their own health. Planetree units maintain a policy allowing patients to read their own charts at any time and ask questions of their physician and nurse about what they read. Educational materials are provided in satellite resource centers located on each unit for those who wish to learn more about their illness, diagnostic tests and medication.
Incorporating the Planetree Model
he Planetree model is patient-centered rather than provider focuses and is committed to improving medical care from the patient’s perspective. At Griffin Hospital, in addition to full kitchens, patient and family lounges are on each unit. One is a quiet lounge that features a saltwater aquarium and the other is a music lounge where patients and their families can enjoy the talents of the various musicians who staff the daily Arts and Entertainment Program. To further foster education and communication, there are no “restricted zones.” The traditional nurse station is replaced with an open workplace that anyone can use – patients and families alike. The unique design of our patient units on the North Wing places the primary nurse just outside the patient’s door.
In 2000 a Healing Garden was designed by one of our physicians who also provided funding to create it. The garden is now in full bloom. The smell of lavender wafts through this peaceful garden surrounded by plants and herbs that encourage healing and meditation. Healing plants include lavender, Bee Balm, St. John’s Wort and many more along with colorful day lillies and small shrubs. There is a small freshwater pond and two benches for visitors to rest.
Planetree Programs
Other Planetree Programs include the Precious Cargo Program designed to ease anxieties of our young patients. Our pediatric patients can get a ride from the Lobby to Same Day Surgery, Radiology or the Emergency Room in a bright red Radio Flyer Wagon. These wagons are outfitted with canopies and cushions sporting rain forest and fish motifs.
Another recent Planetree program was initiated from a patient’s suggestion to provide e-mail access for patients and their families. Our satellite resource centers are equipped with state-of-the-art computers boasting high-speed Internet connections so patients who are on our floors can stay connected to their families, jobs or friends.
Programs & Services
Architecture & Design
Our hospital and centers are designed to enhance healing, health and well-being.
PAWS Therapy Dog Program
People and Animals Working in Spirit
Planetree Services & Amenities
A number of complimentary services and amenities are available to patients and visitors to aid in healing and relaxation.