An Infusion Center is a commonly used location to treat various cancers on an outpatient basis. This allows the patient the flexibility to be infused with the cancer fighting drugs while being at home participating in their day to day activities. Some infusions are quick however, many take as long as 8-10 hours. It is important these Infusion Centers are created to be not only safe for the patients but inviting and soothing during this trying period in their life. According to an article on Steelcase Health’s website, “every patient experience different physical states and emotional needs at different points along the way, based on their diagnosis, treatment plan and possible side effects.” This hospital vendor suggested several different options for the Infusion Center space which might be more beneficial for the patients. The first is a “semi-open” space which allows the patients to talk to one another and family members who accompany the patient to their treatments. The website explains the caregivers have better access to the patients and to the supplies needed to care for the patients. The space has the possibility of educational videos playing for all to watch as well as the opportunity for the caregivers to speak in a group setting. Lounge chairs as well as side by side seating is scattered throughout the space to allow families the chance to sit together or caregivers to sit and speak with the patients when necessary. The second option noted on the Steelcase Health website is the Communal Space. This option has more of a “a café-like social hub, this space supports many activities—going online, getting work done, watching TV, reading, playing games, snacking or conversing”. Patients aren’t faced with the standard recliner facing nowhere as they may find in typical Infusion Clinics. It has more of an intimate feel as they are able to socialize with others in a smaller area. A third option is the Private Family Treatment Rooms. The website states, “this space allows patients to feel a higher sense of control over their environment, and ultimately their treatment”.
As in any of the above options, the safety of the patient should be the top priority. Nonskid flooring, handrails located along the pathways as well as having access to machines such as a defibrillator is a must. A central kitchen area would be a nice addition which allows the patients to bring snacks and water for the long infusions instead of worrying if they can get someone to visit the hospital/clinic’s meal service. They can also control the foods they eat when they can bring their own. Natural lighting and clear access to windows should also be considered. For example, an Infusion Clinic at Memorial Hospital in Craig, CO completed an Infusion Clinic in the Medical Office Building and reached out to staff and patients when creating the space. They stated, “there are several other new features in the Infusion Center that weren’t in the old one, such as cozy electric recliners in front of windows overlooking scenic landscapes, TVs at each infusion station and an inviting outdoor patio for patients to enjoy”.
Furniture, paint colors, finishes and artwork should be chosen to make the space feel more like home and less industrial or hospital-like. Patients should be able to relax in this space while attempting to enjoy their surroundings. Electronics like TVs should be at each infusion station so each patient can watch their own show instead of trying to share with others. Charging stations should be considered for their own personal IPads and phones. Complimentary WiFi should be offered to the patients and their caregivers. Staff and Physicians should have easy access to the computers needed to chart on their patients. They should be mobile and have the ease to travel with the staff. One central location where all the staff chart is not feasible in this location.
Tele-health medicine is an avenue in which many rural patients have the opportunity to visit with a specialist without having to travel potentially a far distance. For Infusion Centers located in rural areas, tele medicine would be helpful for physicians to be able to visit with the patients, discuss latest diagnostic results and do a thorough check in with the patient while receiving their infusion. It saves the patient an extra trip to a location especially if their immune system has been compromised by the chemotherapy or if they are feeling fatigued or weak. According to Miller Temple (2019), “telehealth allows specialists to connect with rural patients and providers virtually. This expands rural patients' access to specialty care and enables rural providers to engage and connect with specialty providers, allowing them to better serve their patients”. The Infusion Center would need access to a television, camera and computer in order to create a private tele-medicine space for patients to visit with the specialists.
REFERENCES
Memorial Regional Health, Living Well: Infusion with a View – New Features in MOB Infusion Center Honors Patients’ Input.
Miller Temple, K. (2019). Telehealth Models for Increasing Access to Specialty Care Retrieved from https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/care-delivery/specialty-care
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