Planetree International Recognizes Three NYC Health + Hospitals Locations for Their Commitment to Enhancing the Staff, Patient and Family Experience in Health Care Settings
Certification recognizes “Excellence in Person-Centered Care,” which improves staff, patient and family engagement while delivering better patient outcomes, lower rates of staff burnout, and lower costs of care delivery Planetree International works with health care systems and organizations across the globe
Dec 12, 2023
New York, NY — NYC Health + Hospitals announced today that three more of its facilities have been certified by Planetree International for excellence in person-centered care for a total of 9 sites recognized by the organization. Planetree works with organizations across the globe to enhance the staff, patient and family experience in health care settings. Over three years, these sites met several criteria to provide high-quality care, improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient experience, and develop workforce recruitment and retention. Planetree’s model of patient, family, staff, and community engagement has shown to improve patient outcomes, lower rates of staff burnout, and lower costs. For the first time, the organization recognized NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, Queens, and Woodhull. Additionally, NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler received an honorable mention in their improvement and dedication of person-centered care practices, especially in their commitment to engaging their residents and staff.
“Having the framework to develop person-centered care practices allows us to reconnect to our purpose and why we got into health care,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and Chief Executive Officer Mitchell Katz, MD. “Person-centered care is the reminder that our patients and staff are our partners. It is our hope that our patients, their caregivers, and our staff feel the impact of what it means to experience person-centered care at the largest municipal public health system in the nation.”
“The experience of NYC Health + Hospitals shows what can be accomplished when a team of deeply committed, highly innovative and supremely driven caregivers take the courageous leap to redefine priorities and reorganize systems to put patients first,” said Michael Giuliano, Chief Operating Officer at Planetree International.
“Certification by Planetree International is a significant recognition of NYC Health + Hospitals’ commitment to provide the highest quality and safest care, with the best patient experience,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Eric Wei, MD, MBA.“Focusing on a person-centered approach is how we strive toward creating a care journey that is free from inequity while enhancing access for all New Yorkers.”
The second cohort to complete the person-centered certification are:
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, Silver
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, Bronze
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, Bronze
They are joined by our first cohort who received certification earlier this year.
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, Silver
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Silver
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Silver
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, Silver
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York, Bronze
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Morrisania, Bronze
The criteria for person-centered care include:
- Partnering with patients and their loved ones, which can include shared decision-making, compassionate and empathetic communication, and having the patient identify their treatment goals.
- Increasing family involvement and presence in all aspects related to patient care.
- Supporting providers and staff, which can include emotional support and participation in decisions that impact their work.
- Tailoring care to meet the individual needs, values and preferences of patients and their loved ones.
- Making data-driven improvements, including data on clinical quality, patient experience, and staff and provider engagement and well-being.
Certification was awarded to each location following a rigorous application process, and a site visit by representatives from Planetree International; focus groups with patients, families and staff; and a review of quality of care measures and patient outcomes.
For more information on Planetree International’s Person-Centered Care Certification Program, visit planetree.org/certification.
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MEDIA CONTACT: 212-788-3339; PressOffice@nychhc.org
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Planetree International
Planetree International is a mission based not-for-profit organization that has partnered with over 700 health care organizations around the world and across the care continuum to transform how care is delivered. Powered by over 50,000 focus group attendees comprised of patients, families, and staff, and 40 years of experience working with health care organizations, the Planetree approach emphasizes the quality of human interactions that occur within health care settings, the importance of connecting health care personnel to the purpose and meaning of their work, and practical strategies for engaging patients and family members as true partners in care. These elements have been consolidated into the Person-Centered Care Certification® Program, which provides organizations with a structured process to guide culture change efforts that yield improvements in clinical and operational outcomes. Drawing on this experience, in 2017 Planetree International partnered with the National Academy of Medicine to introduce an evidence-based Guiding Framework for Patient and Family Engaged Care.