Griffin marks patient-centered care awareness

Theme of month is 'Building Patient Confidence' 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital joins Planetree, as well as hospitals and health care organizations around the world this October to commemorate the sixth annual Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month.

This year’s theme, “Building Patient Confidence,” and butterfly icon represents the significant organizational culture change and transformation to patient-centered care.
Ultimately when patients report they feel they are being treated with dignity, respect and compassion, when families express gratitude for being treated as full partners in care, and when health care providers are prideful of their work, the rewards are vibrant and uplifting.


“Patient-centered health care organizations build patient confidence by supporting patients, their loved ones and the team of health care providers to all be on the same page in understanding the patient’s health and health care needs. Confidence comes from being able to control and manage your health, which includes communication with providers about health history, current needs and future plans. Additionally, patients are encouraged to identify a care partner who understands the diagnosis, coordinates care and serves as an advocate,” said Planetree President Susan B. Frampton, Ph.D.


Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month is sponsored and coordinated by Planetree, a global, not-for-profit organization raising the standard of personalized healthcare by coaching organizations to inspire and enable their caregivers to transform the healthcare experience they provide.

Griffin Hospital has been actively engaged in implementing the Planetree model for the past 20 years, focusing on individualized care and providing meaningful opportunities to activate patients and families, such as care partner programs, patient advisory councils, bedside shift reports, and open medical records.

“As the flagship hospital for Planetree, Griffin Hospital has received national recognition for creating a facility and approach to patient care that is responsive to the needs of patients,” said Patrick Charmel, Griffin Hospital President and CEO.
“As a result, hundreds of healthcare facilities around the world have sent teams of caregivers to visit Griffin Hospital and now incorporate the Planetree concepts they observe into their healthcare models.”

Several activities are planned to increase awareness about the patient-centered model of care, empower patients and inspire health-care organizations to further advance and expand the practice.

The month’s activities include:

• The 2012 Planetree Annual Conference Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in Palm Desert, Calif.

•  The recognition of individual health care professionals for their personal embodiment of the values of patient-centered care at the annual Spirit of Planetree Awards Oct. 3 concluding the  2012 Planetree Annual Conference, including Radiation Oncologist Laura Howell of West Hartford.
• U.S. governors are commemorating the event by signing proclamations recognizing Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month in their states.

        • Hospitals are coordinating a variety of events as well as distributing “I Am an Expert About Me” stickers to patients, and staff members are wearing “I Am Listening” stickers.
         • The Planetree website, www.planetree.org, features a variety of free videos, resources and tool kits, including information about Same Page Transitions, for patients and caregivers under the resources section.

The above is a press release from Griffin Hospital in Derby.