Planetree International, a nonprofit that partners with healthcare organizations to make care more patient-centered, received the 2017 Consumers and Patients for Quality Award from National Quality Forum Wednesday for its patient and family engagement efforts.
NQF gives the Consumers and Patients for Quality Award annually to recognize the contributions of organizations and individuals that engage patients, families and caregivers in care.
"Planetree International has been at the forefront of person- and family-centered care long before incorporating an individual's personal preferences and goals into care decisions was mainstream practice," said Shantanu Agrawal, MD, MPhil, president and CEO of the National Quality Forum. "Planetree's efforts have paved the way for the groundbreaking cultural shift where clinicians and other providers work together with patients to make decisions about their care. Planetree continues to push the envelope to transform healthcare delivery."
Planetree was established by a patient in 1978 and its health resource center was one of the first to provide patients with information on care quality and safety. It also established the country's first patient-centered care model, which included open medical records, patient-directed visitation and attention to emotional needs.
"We greatly appreciate NQF and the ever-growing community of individuals and organizations that have joined us in the important work of engaging patients and facilitating compassionate interactions in healthcare," said Susan Frampton, PhD, president of Planetree International. "This award honors not only Planetree, but the countless patients, families, and healthcare professionals with whom we have worked over nearly four decades."