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February 27, 2019

UNH's School of Health Sciences to pursue Planetree certification

PHOTO | Contributed A lesson at the University of New Haven's School of Health Sciences.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

The University of New Haven’s School of Health Sciences wants to be among the first in the nation to obtain higher education certification from Planetree International, which focuses on patient-centered care.

University officials announced this week that the West Haven school has signed a letter of intent to pursue the certification. UNH offers a range of degree programs, such as in health sciences, dental hygiene, paramedicine, health administration and public health. The non-profit Planetree International works with organizations worldwide to improve health care.

Summer McGee, dean of the university's School of Health Sciences, called it a critical component of the school’s mission to incorporate “person-centered” care into health sciences education.

"Earning our certification from Planetree will enrich our efforts to educate competent and caring professionals who are equipped to solve today's healthcare challenges," McGee said in an announcement.

The school will have up to three years to complete the certification process, which includes applying, a site visit, and gathering information about student experiences and outcomes, according to McGee.

School officials learned about Planetree through its relationship with Griffin Hospital in Derby, a Planetree facility.

Susan Frampton, president of Planetree International, called the university’s decision a “perfect partnership.”

“It speaks to the most important influencers on patient experience,” Frampton said. “It is even more effective if we look at educational institutions which are training our doctors and nurses so they are thinking about creating the best patient experience. It means we are starting early with the people who interact with patients the most, and we are very excited about it.”

This “person centered” care means providing care which any patient would want, such as explaining medical information in a way a patient can understand. In hospitals like Griffin modeled after the Planetree philosophy, rooms are home-like rather than institutional, and there is an emphasis on patient and family education.

According to UNH officials, they want to pursue this certification so all health sciences students will be familiar with these principles. They want to build an environment focused on student engagement, holistic care and wellness.

The university's School of Health Sciences is relatively new, established in 2018. It has already attracted more than 450 students. The school has more than 55 full- and part-time faculty, and eight undergraduate and graduate programs. More programs are currently in development.

According to McGee, becoming one of the first colleges or universities to earn this certification will “differentiate and distinguish” UNH’s School of Health Sciences.

"As a new School of Health Sciences, we are dedicated to incorporating the principles of person-centered care from day one to create student, faculty and staff experiences that are unlike those at any other health sciences school in the nation," McGee said.

Planetree International traces its roots to 1978, when a patient, Angie Thieriot, sought to improve the health-care experience. She wanted to help all patients become partners in their own care and get information they need to make treatment decisions.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com

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