Person-centered care starts in the classroom: an academic journey of refining curriculum and culture

Background: Person-centered health care is becoming the norm which has prompted a need for educating academic and health care professionals upstream to embed this culture and philosophy in graduates prior to beginning their role in a professional health care setting. The Planetree International Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care is recognized as the highest mark of achievement an organization can earn, demonstrating a commitment to include patients, families, staff, and the community in the planning process to improve overall health and well-being. Previously the Planetree certification had been reserved for health care enterprises. This article highlights the journey of the first academic institution to achieve the Planetree Silver Certification level of recognition.Methods: Gap analyses of curriculum, culture, operations, student resources, and data for evidence-based evaluation were systematically undertaken.Results: After 18 months of collaboration, multiple site visits by Planetree leaders, and the compilation of a 550+ page self-study detailing the methodology used to address each Planetree standard of person centeredness, the National University, former School of Health and Human Services achieved the level of Planetree Certified Silver recognition.Conclusions: Achieving sustained success remains a continuum of efforts and embraces the journey to the destination while celebrating successes along the way. Early faculty engagement and “grass roots” efforts were sought to lead the National University former School of Health and Human Services toward the first-of-a-kind academic Planetree Silver Certification. Efforts are underway in seeking the Planetree Gold Certification level.