Amy Griffin
My Masters Thesis focused on the Optimal Healing Environment model and design’s affect on professional caregiver well-being, satisfaction, and productivity. The original research found that the layout of a building is a vital component of the design. The study also found that professional caregivers appreciate co-workers, supplies, and patient areas in close proximity to their work-stations and respite spaces conducive to relaxation.
Information from the review of literature and the findings from the original research informed the design of Hope Harbor Cancer Center, the design coponant of my thesis. The resulting design of the cancer center provides a solution to the needs expressed in my thesis while creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Click here to see the floor plan.
HOPE HARBOR CANCER CENTER
Entry
The entry of the cancer center creates a more intimate experience, with a low ceiling and an entryway that opens up into a wider foyer. The progression of the entry design can be seen between the Revit + Photoshop Line Drawing and the final Revit Rendering.
Several design elements of the entry include: niches that depict artwork inspired by local northeast florida wildlife and seating for patients to wait on their ride. Each of these elements contribute to a warmer experience that uplifts and helps the patient during their visit.
Oncology Clinic Suite
The artwork in the waiting area depicts local landmarks and wildlife and serves as a positive distraction for patients as they wait. This reflects the information gathered in the review of literature that patients appreciate artwork in the waiting rooms because they are often too distracted to read.
After the patient is called back into either of the clinics, they do not have to walk far to enter into an exam room. This design was implemented as a direct result of the research findings that long hallways negatively impact patients’ and professional caregivers’ well-being and satisfaction. Each of the clinics also include several sizes of exam rooms.
Chemotherapy Infusion Suite
The chemotherapy suite is a hexagonal shape with a circular traffic pattern. Like the medical and radiation oncology clinics, this space was designed to minimize the travel distance from the entrance to any of the chemotherapy bays. Once in the chemotherapy infusion suite, the patient will be taken to his or her own private chemotherapy bay. The bays are divided by walls to give patients privacy and to make the bays feel more like a living room. Each of the bays is equipped with a guest chair and an entertainment hutch with a television. The entertainment hutch doubles as medical storage for professional caregivers. Since studies debate whether chemotherapy patients prefer private or group chemotherapy areas, each of the chemotherapy bays has a sliding glass door to one side. The frosted glass offers privacy if desired, but the doors can be opened if patients prefer to talk with one another.
Amenities
On the right side of the building we see the amenities which include: the cancer resource center, the spiritual wellness center, childcare center, boutique, and café.
THESIS
Professional Caregiver Respite Space
The original research showed that the professional caregivers would appreciate a break room that could accommodate at least 10-15 professional caregivers at once. Observations revealed that catered lunches from pharmaceutical reps are part of the cancer center culture. This provides a need for a kitchen area that accommodates the placement and storage of large amounts of food. The resulting design in Hope Harbor Cancer Center is a 667 square feet respite space that accommodates up to 25 professional caregivers at once.
The design is meant to give a more relaxing, residential feel. Several different types of seating are provided including banquet, table, and lounge seating. The artwork of a local northeast Florida landscape gives a sense of relaxation and allows professional caregivers to daydream.
