Along with the recent building boom in new cancer centers has come a consensus that it is critical to provide patient and family-centered care as well as access to the latest research, clinical information and treatment resources. What is less apparent is what comprises a comprehensive delivery model and how an institution can utilize the facility design process to realize all the elements (program components, technology, amenities, and aesthetics) that contribute to better health outcomes for patients and a better experience for patients, families, visitors and staff.

The Providence Cancer Center in Portland serves more cancer patients than any other health system in Oregon. This paper and presentation will explain how the Providence Health System in Oregon united a variety of diagnostic, treatment, research and recovery services under one roof to provide a delivery model that cares for the whole person with respect and compassion. The evidence-based design process will be outlined, as will the resulting clinical and operational features of the 492,000 SF, 240-bed cancer center, ranging from the decentralized nursing stations to the Integrative Medicine Clinic and Lematta Learning Center to the comingling of research labs with patient care to quickly translate findings into effective treatment. The design of a variety of amenities that ease the way for cancer patients and their families will also be presented. Finally, patient, family and staff satisfaction scores in its first year of operation, as well as other quantifiable outcomes, will be reported. More specifically, the paper and presentation will outline:
The Guiding Principles Providence developed that evolved from their mission to provide a connected experience of care which informed every design decision, and is used as a benchmark to evaluate their performance;

The research and evidence that informed the design process:
- The shadowing process
- Color Theory
- Patient room design studies
- The healing properties of natural light and connections to nature
- Integration of art, focusing on the Northwest region as a theme

The clinical/operational aspects of the patient care experience, beginning with a description of programs and services accommodated in the new facility, with a specific focus on features such as:
- Decentralized nursing; enhanced caregiver to patient connections
- Medical oncology practice within the hospital
- State-of-the art treatment facilities within the hospital (e.g., gamma knife, infusion, radiation oncology, etc.)
- From bench to bedside: incorporation of research laboratories within the hospital
- Communication tools: integrated call system and patient tracking technologies
- Auditorium and conference center for local and distance learning

The amenities and environment created to support a continuum of care:
- Patient and family education and advocacy resources such as Appearance Center, Jill Lematta Learning Center, Integrative Medicine Clinic, Spa
- Healing gardens and courtyards
- Maximized access to daylight and views
- Meditation room; private spaces
- Larger, single patient rooms with family accommodations
- Family lounges, laundry and kitchen facilities on patient floors
- Separate family suites for overnight stays
- Staff lounges, respite areas, showers, parking
- Retail therapies
- Integration of art

Outcomes: How is it working?
o Patient, family and staff satisfaction
o Patient safety
o The business case

Learning Objectives: Those attending or reading this presentation will learn valuable approaches to: