International Health Leaders to Share Innovations in Patient-Centered Care at 2009 Planetree Annual ...( October 4-7 at B...),Health

October 4-7 at Baltimore Waterfront Marriott

DERBY, Conn., July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Patient-centered care" is in the consciousness of most every health care leader. Organizational mission statements reference it, special committees have been convened to address it, and considerable resources are expended to solicit patient feedback on it. Nevertheless, many organizations continue to struggle with what "it" is. Planetree, the pioneers in patient-centered care, will convene health care practitioners, long term care specialists, academics, patient advocates, nurses, executives, Veterans Affairs administrators and architects committed to the implementation of patient-centered care at the 2009 Planetree Annual Conference, October 4-7, in Baltimore.

Planetree, a non-profit organization providing education and information in a collaborative global community of health care organizations, facilitates efforts to create patient-centered care in healing environments. Time and again patients express during Planetree focus groups that they want to be valued and respected, have a sense of control and be provided with opportunities to participate in their care.

Patient-centered care focuses on service excellence and providing meaningful opportunities for patients and families to be actively involved in their care. Patient-centered organizations address the very human needs of patients by seeing the big picture while also attending to the smallest, and yet often the most meaningful details of the patient experience. They find ways to decrease emergency room wait times and to provide comfortable, attractive waiting areas. They offer 24-hour visitation and support the active involvement of the patient's family and openly share information encouraging patients to review and contribute to their progress notes.

Planetree provides e
'/>"/>