VISIONARY NETWORK

Planetree has established their design vision: “as a global catalyst and leader, Planetree promotes the development and implementation of innovative models of healthcare that focus on healing and nurturing body, mind and spirit.” In fulfilling this vision, Planetree has developed a program that certifies patient-centered design practitioners. These designers have focused on transforming healthcare by considering the healing environment as well as the experience from the patient’s perspective. In October 2009, Planetree recognized five architecture and design firms as charter members of the Planetree Visionary Design Network.

The Planetree Visionary Design Network members commit to fully embrace Planetree’s philosophy of designing healing environment for caring of the body, mind and spirit from the perspective of the patients, families and caregivers. In collaboration, they will provide their insight, expertise and guidance to advance Planetree design in all health care settings. Their ultimate goal is that all Planetree facilities will enhance the experience for patients, staff and visitors, all the while creating efficient and effective operations in the health care facility.

Certification assists healthcare facilities when planning a new project, especially Planetree facilities, in finding a firm that has committed to the same patient-centered care philosophy. Firms applying for certification must submit an extensive application which is fully reviewed by Planetree. It contains seven sections that require full documentation:

1. Approach to design of healing environments
2. Involvement with Planetree
3. Evidence-Based design practices & approach
4. Sustainability, practices & approach
5. Certifications held by the firm, and staff
6. Portfolio of firm’s work
7. How Planetree Philosophy is integrated into design

Following Planetree’s acceptance of the application, a self-assessment tool is submitted and an interview is held with the firm’s leadership to comprehensively explore details of the company’s commitment to healing environments, evidence-based design, sustainability and principles of design excellence and innovation. The final step is an on-site tour of a recent project and a site visit to the firm’s office.

As part of Huelat Parimucha’s certification process, Planetree visited Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, VA. Potomac Hospital has worked with Huelat Parimucha since 1998, and exhibits all of the Planetree components, from their single bed rooms with family accommodations, exterior courtyard for new moms in the postpartum suite, to delightful food experiences and choices from a full dining room with outdoor courtyard to a jazz filled café at the entrance. They also provide their community with a worship space with custom stained glass, meditative music and a full wall water feature. Healing for the body, mind and spirit is evident throughout Potomac Hospital.

Huelat Parimucha is one of only five architectural and design firms nationwide to receive this designation. Huelat Parimucha has been delivering evidence-based, healing design since 1991. Their design philosophy centers on creating the optimal healing experience for patient, family, staff and community.

—Hippocrates