Building cancer centers for the future: Key drivers

In an era of infinite challenges and finite resources, health systems must employ a rigorous approach to strategic and facility planning. This is particularly true for oncology, where the pace of change and innovation is unprecedented.

Below are key factors driving healthcare providers to consider updating cancer facilities or building new ones.

Need for Additional Capacity

Growth in patient volumes is straining many cancer programs, particularly those built five or more years ago. Cancer centers with spatial limitations face throughput issues and may experience longer wait times for first available appointments. Limited space often leads to reliance on outside labs, pharmacies, and support services, creating additional bottlenecks that extend patient wait times.

Patient Centricity

Cancer treatment presents unique facility challenges to accommodate both the clinical and psychological needs of patients. Contemporary cancer centers are designed to meet these challenges and offer patients a holistic care environment that is accessible and affordable.

Aging Environments

Many cancer centers were not designed to be adaptable, which creates barriers to incorporating new technologies and/or approaches to care. As cancer services continue to evolve, it is key to create a physical space that is flexible and able to accommodate both medical and technical advances.

This is part of an ongoing series from ECG Management Consultants about strategic considerations for health systems as they create new cancer facilities. Click here to read the next blog in the series. For more information, visit ECG’s website

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