"Patient-centered cancer care" in Oncology Issues, January/February 2007. Copyrighted material may not be reproduced or transmitted whole or in part without written permission from the Association of Community Cancer Centers. www. accc-cancer. org : Article in Current Edition of Oncology Issues Reports how New Jersey-Based Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center Transforms the Entire Patient Care Experience with "Patient Centered Cancer Care"
A new trend in cancer care delivery that transforms the delivery of cancer treatment into a "patient-centered" approach, is the subject of an article in the current edition of Oncology Issues, the Journal of the Association of Community Cancer Centers.
LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) February 14, 2007
The article describes how management at Trinitas Hospital, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and its partner, Los Angeles-based Aptium Oncology, Inc., the national leader in developing and managing comprehensive cancer centers at leading hospitals throughout the United States, used the simple question "What would patients want?" to conceive, build and operate a new cancer center. Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center opened in 2005, providing a full continuum of care in a 48,000-square-foot, $28 million building, in downtown Elizabeth.
The article notes how most cancer care delivery models function as "'giant people movers,' transporting patients through a healthcare system like cogs in a wheel." The Trinitas model reverses this model, taking a "top down" approach that works to minimize the delayed appointments, billing problems, and scheduling errors that strike at the heart of patient inconvenience.
In addition, the article describes how hospitality and attention to detail are hallmarks of patient-centered care, embedded in the Trinitas culture through training classes, patient surveys and quarterly measurement programs. Based upon consumer studies of preferred amenities, Trinitas has a staff of valets to park patients' cars, a concierge to greet patients as they enter the center, and laptops for patients to check email or conduct business during their stay. There is even a golden retriever named Inker, who serves as part of the Trinitas pet therapy program.
"We're proud that the editors of Oncology Issues chose to profile Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center and our novel approach to cancer care delivery," said Richard Emery, executive director of the Center. "It validates our belief that focusing first and foremost on the patient experience sets our program apart from many care delivery systems in-place today."
"The Trinitas model will become the industry standard as patient expectations change and they demand more amenities, greater convenience and well-coordinated care," said Stephen Bordelon, Aptium Oncology's executive vice president, business development. "What Trinitas has done is to revolutionize how patients are treated, changing the system and transforming the entire environment of the patient care experience."
About Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center
Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center (TCCC) is located in a new 48,000-square-foot, $28 million building on the campus of Trinitas Hospital.
Located in the heart of Elizabeth, N. J., Trinitas Hospital is a 531-bed, teaching hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth.
The Center offers the most advanced technology available to cancer patients, including the first Trilogy Linear Accelerator for radiation therapy in New Jersey. Board-certified physicians, nurses and allied health professionals are passionate in their fight against cancer and their mission to provide excellent patient care. The medical oncology treatment area and infusion center includes 15 first-class private infusion rooms. Licensed state-of-the-art laboratory and pharmacy services are all located on-site. With an interior design reminiscent of a fine hotel, the Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center offers patients and their companions a supportive and healing atmosphere. The Center's professional services also include nutritional, psychosocial, pain management, and clinical trials.
Aptium Oncology
Aptium Oncology has more than 20 years of experience managing outpatient oncology services at leading medical institutions throughout the United States. Aptium Oncology is a pioneer in designing, building and managing comprehensive cancer centers with a steadfast vision to transform cancer care environments by bringing every necessary service to one central place. The intent of this single place is to help patients achieve longer, better lives. Aptium Oncology's corporate headquarters is located in Los Angeles. For more information visit www. aptiumoncology. com.
