The Health series is presented by AdventHealth
Healthcare can sometimes feel like an obstacle course. You see a physician here, get an X-ray there, do lab work somewhere else. Getting an answer could take weeks.
But when the diagnosis is cancer, waiting is not an option.
When the AdventHealth Cancer Institute opened its doors this week, the brand-new facility ushered in a new era in comprehensive and compassionate cancer care in Kansas City. No more running from medical office to medical office. Everything is where you need it to be—not across town, but steps away.
Brenda Shoup, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and the medical director of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, shares how this patient-centered approach will benefit Kansas City cancer patients and their families.
As the Institute’s medical director, how important was it to design a cancer center from the ground up, instead of retrofitting existing space to fit cancer patients’ needs?
Patients and families experience extreme emotions when diagnosed with cancer. There is anxiety, sadness, and bewildering fear of the unknown. When designing the new AdventHealth Cancer Institute the patient’s perspective was considered with each decision. The purpose is to provide high quality cancer care in an environment that is easy for the patient to navigate and to eliminate whatever stress we could from their journey.
And what are the needs of cancer patients that may differ from those of other patients who access hospital services?
The needs of cancer patients are unique. They often need same-day laboratory results to proceed with treatment. They may need immediate dietary instruction or social services assistance to obtain medications or transportation. They may have multiple appointments with different providers all in the same day. Now, with this all-in-one facility, our mission is for the entire care team to be able to easily work together to streamline the process for the patient.
“Intentional” seems to be a great word to describe the Institute’s design. How did AdventHealth go about researching patients’ needs?
Yes, the design of the Institute was very intentional. We convened patient focus groups and researched other cancer treatment facilities. The focus was on improving the experience by making everything close together and easy to access. All aspects of the patient’s care will be in one building with convenient parking. This includes on-site laboratory, infusion, radiation, and clinic space for appointments with the oncologist or other clinicians. There is also outdoor space for infusion patients and their families to enjoy when weather permits.
What is unique about the AdventHealth Cancer Institute?
The AdventHealth Cancer Institute focuses on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—providing advanced cancer care in a setting that is purposefully created to minimize the stress and anxiety of the treatment of the disease. Our experienced, well-respected oncologists provide care for the full spectrum of cancer and hematologic disorders, and we are continuing to expand this team. Beginning later this summer, we’re thrilled that we will be able to deliver leading-edge radiation treatment when we’ll become the first and only team in Kansas City to implement a cutting-edge technology called MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy.