Historically, cancer care has been siloed in a healthcare delivery setting, requiring patients to see oncologists, radiologists and surgeons separately, often in varying areas of a facility or another building entirely. Today, these three disciplines work together and meet weekly, sometimes daily, to consult on treatment plans — allowing cancer care delivery to become more integrated under one roof.
Prioritizing the patient experience
Cancer can be a fast-acting and grueling disease, and can affect patients differently, resulting in a spectrum of symptoms and abilities. For this reason, clinic designers must prioritize the patient experience and be cognizant of the ways in which it should accommodate patients' differing needs.
To cater to the spectrum of patient needs, it is important to provide a variety of spaces and conditions, particularly for infusion pods. Patients, depending on symptoms and illness, will have preferences on where they receive infusions, so cancer care facilities should consist of a range of environments to optimize comfort for each patient. While some patients may relish the opportunity to take in sunlight, others may require darkness for sleep and rest. Some may be interested in socializing with other patients, while others may prefer a more quiet, private space.
As patients going through chemotherapy may have cognitive impairment to some degree, as well as limited walking abilities, wayfinding is an important aspect of cancer care clinic design.
Click here to find out more about how a design firm has focused on improving the Patient Experience in a cancer center facility through their innovative design.
And, find out more about how Expeditor works closely with outpatient clinic designers to provide turnkey visual cue solutions that improve the Patient Experience. For over 40 years, our focus has always been on improving the patient experience through increased Patient Flow efficiency in outpatient clinics. Contact Us today and let us show you how our technology has increased patient flow efficiency for over 8,000 outpatient clinic clients.
