ABSTRACT
Planetree is a non-profit patient advocacy organization that was established in the US originally, and now has partner offices in Europe, South America, and Canada, as well as affiliated providers in several additional countries. Creating organizational cultures that support and encourage patient involvement in their own care and true partnerships between patients, families and clinicians, begins with a willingness to listen to and value all perspectives. The model itself comprises ten core components defined by patients as essential to a quality experience. While the patient experience remains at the center of change initiatives, much of the initial focus is on the employees, both their role and ideas for enhancing the environment of care. The role of the family and community to assist in the care and support of the patient has been minimized over time, as reflected in organizational policies that limit family presence and involvement and in the lack of adequate space available for families in many healthcare settings.
