By Healthcare Facilities Today

While the population of cancer patients is a diverse one, all have one common connection - they are undergoing treatment for a life-threatening, and often devastating, illness. And they, and their care providers, have one goal: to make this treatment a cure or at least put the disease into a lengthy remission. Because of the nature of their illness and the demanding treatments, cancer patients have special needs. And, as healthcare facilities professionals are discovering, these needs do influence successful cancer center design, according to an article in the July issue of Health Facilities Management.

According to the article, it’s crucial to consider the mental effects such treatment can have on a patient and how a soothing environment can help mitigate stress, raise comfort levels and create better overall psychological health to those entering the facility. Reminders of nature, the article says, “resonate with most patient populations.” By incorporating natural light, wood and wood-like products and other design elements that echo soothing natural settings can go a long way in relieving stress and anxiety, both for the patients and their families. 

On-site amenities, such as alternative medicine like acupuncture and  massage therapy, cozy cafes to provide a place to rest, eat and regroup, and even aesthetic boutiques with wigs, hats, prosthetics and even gift items, can go a long way in making a more comforting experience out of a difficult and confusing situation, as the article points out. Outdoor lounge areas also play an important role in psychological well being, providing access to sunlight and fresh air and breaking up the monotony of a long day of treatments. 

Even equipment integration and infection prevention considerations  play a role in the process of providing a soothing, healing, patient-focused atmosphere in cancer centers. It all comes down to thoughtful design choices and compassionate planning, which should be considered from the patient’s perspective and tested through careful mock-ups to gauge overall effectiveness.

Read the article.