featured in several publications, including the Resident Publications, June 1998

There's no place like the hospital...

Family members are gathered around a television watching a movie. The smell of baking muffins wafts through the air. And down the softly lit hallway, someone is playing the piano.

It sounds just like a cozy home--but it's actually a hospital. Scenes like these take place almost everyday at The Samuels Planetree Unit at Beth Israel Medical Center, an innovative hospital unit now celebrating its fifth anniversary.

"Planetree meets both human needs and medical needs. It humanizes health care without losing what is good about science and technology," says Steven Horowitz, M.D., the medical director of Planetree and the chief of the Thomas Killip, M.D., Division of Cardiology at Beth Israel. "The patient-centered care and the home-like atmosphere can actually help the healing process."

The Samuels Planetree Unit was based on the internationally acclaimed model first developed in San Francisco in 1978 by Angelica R. Thieriot. After a frustrating experience in an American hospital, the Argentinean decided to create a hospital environment that would provide comfort, education and support, in addition to the most technologically advanced medical care. When it opened in 1992, Beth Israel's Planetree unit was one of five model sites and the first on the East Coast. There are now more than 20 Planetree sites, including two in Europe, and Planetree has even expanded to include a unit on another floor at Beth Israel.

Each Planetree patient works with a nurse who coordinates the patient's care, often becoming a friend and advocate in the process. The multidisciplinary staff works as a team to help the patient adjust to the hospital environment and, when possible, adapts the hospital routine to fit the patient's needs.

Some unique aspects of Planetree program include:

Extensive patient and family education. A patient knowledgeable about his or her illness may experience a faster and more complete recovery. That's why the Samuels Planetree unit has staff members who educate patients and family members about their illnesses and treatments, as well as an on-site nutritionist who teaches about healthy foods and helps plan individual diets for patients. In addition to a well-stocked library, classes are available for patients and family to learn about medication, relaxation, social services and more.

Open chart policy. Planetree patients can read their charts along with a health care professional, ask questions, participate in decisions regarding their care and record their observations. "We think this is one of the most valuable learning resources available," said Dr. Horowitz. "Even if these patients don't take advantage of this, it is reassuring to know the chart can be looked at upon request."

Satellite pharmacy. A pharmacy on site allows the pharmacist close contact with the Planetree patients. The pharmacist always reviews medications directly with the patient before discharge, and sometimes even calls the patient at home. This helps to avoid medication errors at home--one of the most common causes of rehospitalization.

Home-like atmosphere. With its comfortable furnishings and soothing use of color, lighting and artwork, the Planetree unit offers an atmosphere that's conducive to the healing process. There's open work areas for both patients and staff; a kitchen for patients and family members to use; a cozy library, and a comfortable lounge to relax, share a meal, watch a movie or listen to music.

Healing of the mind and spirit. From weekly concerts by Juilliard students to professional storytellers to drawing and painting classes, the arts are an important part of the Planetree experience because they can help restore the patients' will to survive. Patients are encouraged to listen to music tapes, read poetry, use stress reduction or visualization tapes, and receive massage therapy. "We try to mobilize patients' inner resources for healing through the arts," said Deborah Matza, R.N., M.P.H., director of nursing for Planetree. "The patients often becomes transfixed and even forget they're in a hospital--it's magical."

The Planetree philosophy has inspired some changes throughout the rest of Beth Israel as well. The number of satellite pharmacies around the hospital has increased, massage therapy is becoming more prevalent, and many of the recently remodeled nursing units have lower counters as well as a warmer look with artwork, soothing colors, more wood and soft lighting.

"There's definitely been a strong influence on patient care throughout the hospital," said Ms. Matza. "People are looking at our successes and using them as a model of care."

For more information about Beth Israel's Planetree unit, please call (212) 420-2878.