The Rise of Freestanding Cancer Centers

South Miami’s Innovative Cancer Institute (ICI) is leading the way in providing cutting-edge treatment in radiation oncology to patients from the South Florida region as well as internationally. Their facility was designed to accommodate the growing demand for cancer-care and incorporate the latest technologies, with a keen focus on offering patients a positive, healing environment.

 

The approximately 60,000-square-foot building includes a clinical area, offices, open-air parking garage with 80 spaces, lush garden views, and some of the most sophisticated cancer treatment planning and delivery equipment in the world. ICI is one of the very first freestanding cancer treatment centers in the U.S. to offer the Varian Edge™ radiosurgery system, which quickly and easily targets tumors with pinpoint accuracy while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.

 

GS&P’s design is meant to reflect an inspired and modern facility that is high-tech and streamlined. Creating the best possible patient experience was a key driver in the interior design. Interior features such as art collections and views to lush gardens generate interest and help ease anxiety for patients. Neutral, contemporary offices and clinical areas also contribute to a calming aesthetic. Exam rooms are designed so equipment like stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and other machines are concealed inside a panel behind a beautiful wooden headwall. The patient never has to see that equipment, which can be very overwhelming. The space remains clutter-free to help alleviate stress.

 

In North Florida, Cancer Specialists of North Florida (CSNF) has provided quality cancer care to the Jacksonville community, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, hematology and diagnostic imaging, for more than 30 years. With 30 specialists and eleven clinic locations, CSNF is the largest, private, physician-owned group in northeast Florida. GS&P worked with CSNF to design a new outpatient cancer treatment facility prototype that serves as the group’s new brand standard and improves operational efficiency. Design elements contribute to the environment being both comfortable and cutting-edge and provide CSNF with two footprint options.

 

The 12,100-square-foot A.C. Skinner treatment facility is among the first to be implemented. The facility includes a linear accelerator (with the ability to add a second vault), a CT simulator, exam rooms, a procedure room, a laboratory, a modular pharmacy, infusion therapy and staff support spaces. The facility was designed with future expansion in mind to accommodate radiation oncology, medical oncology and diagnostic imaging services.

An efficient layout with a sub-wait area adjacent to the lobby and shared exams rooms close to radiation and medical oncology improves the turnaround time for exam rooms and enhances flow and operational efficiency while reducing square footage. A large, well-lit chemotherapy infusion area lets patients interact during treatment if desired, and a private room is also available. The adjoining modular pharmacy enhances transparency and empowers patients by allowing them to watch pharmacy technicians prepare their chemotherapy and other treatments in a glass-walled space with a high-tech, modern look. Natural light and garden views create a comforting environment that reduces stress and supports the healing process.

Patient volumes at the A.C. Skinner treatment center exceeded expectations during the first year. They have averaged more radiation oncology and medical oncology patients per day than any of their other treatment center. The client is now investigating additional expansion opportunities and has incorporated GS&P’s sub-wait design concept into existing facilities to improve operational efficiencies.

 

With the increase in patient volumes, outpatient cancer centers will continue to prove to be an effective solution to increase market share and enhance the patient and family experience.