Newswise — Cedars-Sinai's Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute has opened its newly expanded and remodeled 73,000-square-foot Outpatient Cancer Center, marking a new era of care and treatment for cancer patients and their families.
The redesigned treatment and waiting areas " which include back-lit panels that subtly replicate the natural changes in daylight, 13 private infusion bays, and nature-inspired artwork " were designed to provide a sense of comfort and healing for the more than 9,000 patients who receive treatment at the Outpatient Cancer Center annually.
"As the only outpatient cancer center in the country open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we are considered a national model in outpatient care delivery," said Paul O'Dea, executive director of the Outpatient Cancer Center. "In our redesign, we sought to make the treatment experience and the environment in which it is delivered as healing and comforting as possible. To do so, during the project's planning phase, we incorporated principles from evidence-based design research. This thoughtful approach will ultimately help reduce our patients' anxiety, improve their ability to cope with the emotional aspects of the disease, and allow them to truly focus on the physical act of healing."
"Research has shown that environmental factors, such as natural light, outdoor views, nature artwork and even use of certain colors have the potential to transform what would otherwise be a highly stressful and frightening encounter into one that imparts a powerful healing and therapeutic effect," said Diane Gabay, RN, MN, director of business development for the Cedars-Sinai Outpatient Cancer Center at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. She recently co-authored an article, "Healing Through Evidence-based Design" that appeared in Oncology Issues, a monthly trade publication. "We also offer sounds of nature with waterfalls and fish tanks, which have also shown to contribute to a sense of well-being." In planning the new design features, the Outpatient Cancer Center incorporated ongoing input from its 50-member Patient Advisory Council, such as council member Carolynn Kopper, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Kopper tested reclining chairs, a critical component of the treatment process, and offered her preferences.
"We realize the importance of having a comfortable chair for treatments that can last between two and six hours," Kopper said. "We spent at least that much time in each chair option to make sure that the ones we selected were as relaxing and comfortable as possible."
To accommodate the extreme temperature changes that patients can feel during chemotherapy sessions, the thermostats of each infusion bay are individually controlled. Each bay also has its own flat screen television, a selection of DVDs and Internet access to provide a more home-like environment that can help to reduce patient stress. Privacy screens are also available so the patient can control social activity during a treatment.
The initial phase of the remodel expanded the Outpatient Cancer Center by more than 20,000 square feet. Additional growth and renovation are planned, including a new clinical research unit for patients in experimental treatment programs, remodeled examination areas, larger laboratory space and expanded waiting areas for patients and families, all of which will be designed to appear as non-clinical as possible and enhance the patient experience. HGA Architects and Engineers is the design firm for the project, which is expected to be completed in 2009.
The Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top cancer centers in the United States. The Institute combines compassionate, high-quality patient-centered care with pioneering cancer research. For more information, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 or visit www.cedars-sinai.edu.
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