Planetree and CMSA seek to improve viable, cost-effective patient-centered care

Planetree, a non-profit organization facilitating efforts to create patient-centered care in healing environments, has entered into a new strategic business alliance with the Case Management Society of America (CMSA), the nation's largest multi-disciplinary professional association for case management. The new alliance demonstrates the commitment each organization has to advancing patient-centered care by supporting mutual objectives and collaborating on specific demonstration projects and business opportunities.

"The center of all case management activities is the patient," Margaret (Peggy) Leonard, MS, RN-BC, FNP, CMSA's President said. "Planetree's care models empower patients and their caregivers to deliver strong outcomes while recognizing the importance of controlling costs. These are goals that case managers support every day in the vital work they perform. There are several areas where Planetree and CMSA can work together in advocating for viable, cost-effective patient-centered care."

"Planetree has pioneered methods for personalizing, humanizing and demystifying the health care experience for patients and their families across the continuum of care. Planetree encourages healing partnerships with caregivers and seeks to maximize positive healthcare outcomes," said Planetree President Susan B. Frampton.

The business alliance, agreed to by both the CMSA and Planetree Board of Directors, focuses on three important areas of mutual support:

• Improving transitions of care for patients leaving one care setting and moving to another.
• Advocating for health care legislation and regulation that empowers patients and recognizes the necessity of placing patients and caregivers at the center of any health care reform initiative.
• Development of outcome studies demonstrating the effective return on investment in patient-centered care and effective case management practices.

The alliance also will allow each organization to advocate effectively for the incorporation of patient-centered models within health care delivery and for the professional support and development of case management within hospitals and other clinical settings. The announced business arrangement does not involve any financial covenants. Further information on research and outcome projects developed from the alliance will be announced in the future.