Inpatient care is out and outpatient care is in. That’s the health care delivery trend fueling a move toward more robust outpatient care centers — “super clinics” — here in South Florida and around the country. Exemplified by Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Egil and Pauline Braathen Center, which opens to patients this month, the goal of a super clinic is to provide a stronger, more efficient and effective health care delivery system that includes a greater focus on management of chronic disease, better coordination between a range of health care specialists, and an emphasis on disease prevention and holistic care.According to the American Hospital Association, while overall hospital admissions dropped in 2013, outpatient visits increased to more than 787 million. One factor in this trend is the new technology allowing for more tests and procedures outside of hospitals. Another contributor is the Affordable Care Act, according to the Health Facilities Mangement/ASHE 2014 Hospital Construction Survey. Our industry is striving to reduce costs by moving care delivery to the most cost-appropriate clinical setting as we transition from volume-based to value-based care. As this transformation takes place, we must maintain flexibility so that the needs of the patient remain front and center.
Inside a Super Clinic
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The five-story, 143,000-square-foot Egil and Pauline Braathen Center, on Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Weston campus, houses the expanded Pauline Braathen Neurological Center and the Maroone Cancer Center. It combines advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, major technology investments, holistic patient services, and a multidisciplinary health care team in an outpatient setting.Every aspect of the Egil and Pauline Braathen Center has been designed with the patient and family experience in mind. Features and amenities include an on-site lab, satellite and fusion pharmacies, a patient resource center, a café and a wig boutique, as well as special facilities for pain management, physical and occupational therapy, and diagnostics.
Patients with cancer and neurologic disorders can access precision radiosurgery and advanced imaging services under the same roof as those receiving massotherapy, reiki treatments, and art therapy. This level of convenience and continuity of care, while not available a decade ago, will become an industry standard in the years ahead.
Designing a Super Clinic
The Egil and Pauline Braathen Center, a $94 million capital investment, was made possible by a $30 million donation from longtime patient Pauline Braathen. Designed by world-renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, construction began in November 2013, under the management of Turner Construction Company.
Several key design features were incorporated to optimize the patient experience while maximizing building efficiencies.
• The center was purposefully designed with sunlight in mind as studies show that light plays a critical role in the healing process. The center’s façade is made of clear glass, sculpted with a composition of light and shadow, while maximizing internal access to natural light.
• Horizontal fins modulate solar gain and by reducing the amount of direct solar gain, provides significant energy savings. The solar fins also act as light shelves, reflecting light deep into the floor.
• The building is designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) criteria. LEED certified buildings save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy.
• The main entry to the Center is two stories high and the reception areas for each floor are located directly above the building entry to create clear way finding and orientation. The floor plan is easy to navigate through a series of pathways that connect from the reception areas all the way through the building.
Designed for patients, the Egil and Pauline Braathen Center represents Cleveland Clinic Florida’s dedication to providing the highest quality care and the best patient experience.
