PLANETREE DESIGN
The Planetree model of care is a “Patient Centered” approach to care giving. Many healthcare facilities have adapted this model in caring for their patients, residents and clients to support the healing journey. Planetree facilities are different – they feel different & look different. However, it is not the look & feels that makes them different, it is the philosophy of humanity and caring for others that makes the difference.
So how can design support this model of care? Surprisingly, there are no checklists, guidelines or prescriptive approaches to creating a Planetree facility. Planetree design comes from the heart in support of the client’s unique mission to provide patient-centered care. As a Planetree Certified design firm, Huelat Parimucha, Healing Design practices Patient-Centered Design to support the Planetree model of care.
Planetree has ten core tenants. Only one of the components specifically addresses design, or the built environment. However, we feel that good design can directly support each of the 9 other healing environment principles. The examples on the right illustrate how we integrate all 10 principles within our design practice.
PLANETREE CORE TENANTS:
1. HUMAN INTERACTION
Human beings care for one another, thereby creating healing environments for patients, families and staff members. Design can create nurturing gathering places of pleasure and comfort.
KidsPort
Potomac Hospital, Woodbridge, VA
Playroom designed to create a positive experience for children and parents alike.
2. FAMILY, FRIENDS & SOCIAL SUPPORT
Design can contribute to the quality of the healthcare experience by promoting the caring connection between residents and staff.
Soda Shoppe
MeadowView Dementia Care,
Cedar Rapids, IO
Social support is provided in this very popular gathering place, designed in a familiar retro environment reminiscent of happy days from the patients’ youth.
3. INFORMATION & EDUCATION
Design can support increased access to meaningful information that improves the wayfinding experience as well giving caregivers and patients the opportunity to assist in their own healing process.
Cancer Center Resource Library
High Point Regional Cancer Center,
High Point NC
Internet access, literature resources and patient friendly assistance provide support to the cancer patient and their family members.
4. HEALING ENVIRONMENTS
Architecture & Design details provide the environment for patient-centered care. The healing environment is welcoming, accessible and promotes positive experiences that engage the senses.
Emergency Department
Washington Hospital Center,
Washington, DC
This architectural ceiling detail was designed to incorporate full spectrum kinetic lighting programmed to coincide with natural circadian rhythms to soothe waiting visitors.
5. FOOD & NUTRITION
Food nurtures the body as well as the spirit. Design supports this component through the display and access to healthy food choices, and the creation of settings of comfort and pleasure.
Garden Café
Potomac Hospital, Woodbridge, VA
Organic designs and patterns provide a comfortable dining atmosphere for patients, visitors and staff.
6. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Music, artwork, theater and crafts promote human engagement with positive distractions in the clinical setting.
Emergency Department Waiting Room
Washington Hospital Center,
Washington, DC
This fully engaging interactive video and music wall provides a unique positive distraction.
7. SPIRITUALITY
The role of spirituality is vital in healing the whole person. Design can provide opportunities for reflection and spiritual support.
Labyrinth
High Point Regional Cancer Center,
High Point NC
This outdoor meditative space is an important tool effectively utilized in the chaplaincy program to provide spiritual support for cancer patients and their families.
8. HUMAN TOUCH
Healing touch reduces anxiety, pain and stress. Design can support human touch in its creation of sensory stimulating spaces, comfortable furnishings and good ergonomics.
Rehab Center
High Point Regional Cancer Center,
High Point NC
This therapeutic environment encourages human touch, enhancing the healing response during physical therapy.
9. COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Alternative healing models offer choice in the wellness journey. Design creativity can integrate alternative design to enrich the experience.
Interior Water Feature and Garden
Katzen Cancer & Research Center
George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates,
Washington, DC
Cancer patients and visitors are welcomed with precisely composed therapeutic music and water sounds from the fountain that relieve stress and nurture wellness during the healing journey.
10. HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Healing requires more than a facility- it takes a community. Healthy communities also require a sustainable environment to be healthy and promote wellness. Design provides support on both fronts: First by providing space for healthy community interaction and healthful activities; second by designing to LEED standards and incorporating eco-friendly materials, finishes and products.
Millis
Children’s Health Education Center,
High Point, NC
This fun-filled interactive educational environment was designed to make learning about health & wellness exciting and create a lasting impression on children of all ages.