Human Interactions Planetree is about human beings caring for and serving other human beings - not only providing nurturing, compassionate, personalized care to patients and families, but just as importantly, how staff care for themselves and each other; and, how organizations create cultures which support and nurture their staff. Experiential retreats sensitize staff to the anatomy of a hospital experience from the patient’s perspective and better enable them to serve the patient. Healing partnerships develop between patients, family members, and patients are encouraged to be active participants in their health care.	Architectural Design Conducive to Health & Healing The physical environment is vital to the healing process of the patient. Designing and maintaining an uncluttered environment encourages patient mobility and a sense of “safe shelter.” The design of a Planetree facility provides patients and families with spaces for both solitude and social activities, and includes libraries, kitchens, lounges, activity rooms, chapels, and gardens. Comfortable space and accommodations are provided for families to stay overnight. Healing gardens, fountains, fish tanks and waterfalls are provided to connect patients, families and staff with the relaxing, invigorating, healing, and meditative aspects of nature. Physicians, nurses and ancillary staff are very much affected by their working environment. It is just as essential to create healing environments for the staff as it is for patients.	The Importance of Both the Nutritional & Nurturing Aspects of Food Nutrition is essential not only for good health, but as a source of pleasure, comfort and familiarity. Health care facilities have a responsibility to be role models for delicious, healthy eating. Kitchens encourage families to prepare favorite foods for their loved ones and serve as gathering places, much as they do in our homes. Cooking demonstrations and classes are provided by nutritionists and volunteers. Nutrition education focuses on not only the patient’s current illness but on healthy living for the whole family. Volunteer bakers also help create a nurturing environment.
Empowering Patients through Information and Education A variety of educational materials are made available to the patient, the family, and the community through consumer-friendly health resource centers. The Planetree Classification System aids those in search of information as they review broad collections of medical texts and journals. Video and audio tapes, computer services and much more, support patient’s increasing hunger for information about their health and medical care. The Model emphasizes customized information packets, collaborative care conferences and patient pathways. The open chart policy enables patients to read and write in their medical records	The Importance of Family, Friends, and Social Support Social support has been shown to be vital to good health. The Care Partner Program provides education and training to assist family participation in the care of patients while hospitalized and at home after discharge. As part of the health care team, significant others can make a valuable contribution to the quality of the patient’s hospital experience. Volunteer care partners are available for those patients who are alone. Another element of the Planetree Model which assists families in being involved is unrestricted visiting hours, even in the ICU.	Spirituality: The Importance of Inner Resources Planetree recognizes the vital role of spirituality in healing the whole person. Supporting patients, families and staff in connecting with their own inner resources creates a more healing environment. Chapels, gardens and meditation rooms provide opportunities for reflection and prayer, and Chaplains are seen as vital members of the health care team.
	The Importance of Human Touch Touch is an essential way of communicating caring. Massage can be available for patients, families and staff. Nurses, doctors and other staff find chair massage focusing on the neck, shoulders and back, a useful way to relieve stress and re-energize.
Healing Arts: Nutrition for the Soul Music, storytellers, art, and humor create an atmosphere of serenity and playfulness in the Planetree Model. Artwork in patient rooms, treatment areas and on art carts add to the ambiance. Volunteers work with patients who would like to create their own art, while involvement from artists, musicians, poets and storytellers from the local community help to expand the boundaries of the health care facility.	Complementary Therapies Growing numbers of patients are desiring treatment options which are more natural, less toxic, less invasive and holistic, to complement more conventional medical approaches. To meet the growing consumer demand for CAM therapies, Planetree affiliates have instituted heart disease reversal programs, mind/body medicine interventions such as meditation and healing guided imagery, therapeutic massage, therapeutic touch, Reiki, acupuncture, Tai Chi and yoga. Aromatherapy’s calming effect on agitated patients is now being used patients. Pet therapy has also been successfully implemented in Planetree hospitals. A number of studies have shown that pets can have beneficial effects on health, including a lowered blood pressure, mood elevation and enhanced social interaction.	Healthy Communities Expanding the boundaries of health care. Working with schools, senior centers, churches and other community partners, organizations are redefining health care to include the health and wellness of the larger community.