Healthcare Executive - September/October 2013 - 30

Creating a Healing Environment
Physical surroundings play a key role in delivering patient-centered care
to cancer patients.

“ It is critical to the healing process to give
some element of control back to our
patients. The more we can do to accomplish
this, even in what might seem to be the
smallest circumstances, the more our
patients feel in control of their situation.”

When it comes to the physical environment of its facilities,
the focus on the patient is no different. The design of CTCA’s
six regional medical facilities is linked to both organizational
culture and care processes. For example, to optimize healthcare delivery, corridors are larger and pharmacies are placed
near chemotherapy infusion rooms. Architecturally, CTCA
hospitals are designed to provide a welcoming environment

Edgar D. Staren, MD, PhD

like no other.

President and CEO
CTCA at Western Regional Medical Center

Patient feedback and input were solicited through every step

Goodyear, Ariz.

of the design process. Entering the lobby of CTCA’s Western
Regional Medical Center (Western) in Goodyear, Ariz., is like

While healthcare providers strive to create a patient-

walking into a luxury hotel, complete with concierge services

centered environment, Cancer Treatment Centers of

and the scents of healthy foods that are prepared with

America (CTCA) has achieved that level of success. The

organic produce from the 25-acre on-site farm—the first

history of CTCA’s commitment to its patients’ needs began

organic farm at a hospital in the United States.

more than 30 years ago when the mother of CTCA
founder Richard J. Stephenson was diagnosed with cancer.

Since CTCA opened Western in late 2008, Trane has been

As Stephenson’s family sought treatment for her, they

a key partner in helping to create the most hospitable and

could not find any options that provided the whole-person

healing physical environment possible. This expertise has

care they felt she needed.

been especially valuable given that Western has expanded
several times: Opening with 213,000 square feet, Western

Because of this, Stephenson created a new model of

currently offers 235,000 square feet, and further expan-

cancer care that became the foundation of principles

sion later this year will add another 35,000 square feet.

embraced at CTCA. Combined with a nurturing and

The implementation of new technologies and the expan-

compassionate environment, his whole-person treatment

sion of the facility’s footprint could have led to challenging

approach permeates every aspect of hospital operations

temperature, humidity and ventilation needs. But Trane’s

at CTCA. All employees are empowered to treat each

expertise has helped CTCA maintain its high standards for

patient as they would want their own family members

patient care and comfort throughout.

to be treated. Many patients and their families choose
CTCA because of its unique model that offers healing

For example, CTCA’s Western had implemented the

and hope for the body, mind and spirit. From providing

Skylight Healthcare Systems’ CareNavigator interactive

personal pickups at the airport to having a patient pres-

patient care system to give patients better access to ame-

ent at every board meeting, CTCA puts the patient first

nities such as dining and entertainment. After reviewing

in everything it does.

patient satisfaction surveys and the metrics around the

Advertorial sponsored by Trane Global Healthcare Practice

Healthcare Executive - September/October 2013

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