11 Key Considerations: Choosing the Right Design Partner for Proton Therapy Integration

In the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, proton therapy stands out as a significant advancement. Once considered prohibitively expensive and limited to specialized centers, technological advancements and increased expertise have made proton therapy more cost effective and accessible. This shift has captured the interest of healthcare systems aiming to enhance their cancer treatment capabilities. The process of implementing such advanced technologies into a health system, however, is a vast and intricate process that requires a strategic and structured approach.

The process begins with feasibility studies to assess clinical needs, followed by evaluating the patient population to verify demand. A cost-benefit analysis and competitive analysis help determine financial viability as well as the competitive environment. Securing funding is the next major milestone, followed by the critical step of assembling the right partners. A multidisciplinary team must work together to tackle the challenges and uncertainties to ensure the project’s success. A design partner is an essential team member involved in every aspect of a good strategic approach. As a trusted advisor, the design partner supports throughout the assessment, analysis and feasibility phases, continuing through project completion and beyond.

So, what makes the design partner a trusted advisor for proton therapy facility design? Here are 11 key considerations:

1. Expertise and Experience: Since proton therapy is highly specialized, it’s imperative to work with a design partner who has a proven track record in designing and implementing proton therapy facilities—whether within hospitals, as freestanding units, or integrated into radiation oncology departments. Their deep understanding of the technology is essential for meeting stringent safety and treatment standards.
2. Understanding the Client: The design partner must intimately understand the project’s overall vision and goals. Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, the design partner helps shape these goals and vision, which serves as a guiding principle throughout the project’s duration.
3. Compliance and Safety: A knowledgeable design partner confirms the facility meets all safety and regulatory requirements. They act as a crucial link between multiple specialized team members, each bringing their unique perspectives to the project. Knowing the right questions to ask throughout the process is essential for maintaining compliance and safety. This expertise minimizes accidents and helps avoid costly legal issues down the line.
4. Optimal Facility Design: The functionality of a proton therapy facility hinges on its design. A skilled design partner delivers a design that maximizes patient throughput, minimizes maintenance downtime, and efficiently utilizes resources, directly impacting the patient experience and operational efficiency.
5. Cost Efficiency: An experienced design partner balances the project budget and identifies cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. They are also well-versed in guiding informed resource allocation decisions.
6. Integration with Existing Infrastructure: If the proton therapy facility is part of an existing healthcare system, an experienced design partner will seamlessly integrate the new facility with current infrastructure, including power supply, data systems and patient flow, critical for operational consistency and patient convenience.
7. Futureproofing: One of the most challenging aspects of planning and designing new cancer treatment spaces is the rapid advancement of technology. Consequently, proton therapy facilities must plan for the future. The right partner designs the facility to be both adaptable and expandable, accommodating potential upgrades and new treatment modalities and safeguarding the facility’s relevance and functionality.
8. The Patient Experience: A thoughtfully designed facility goes a long way toward enhancing the patient experience. Patients undergoing proton therapy may have specific needs and requirements. A good design partner creates a patient-centric environment that promotes comfort and healing, improving the overall treatment experience.
9. Time Efficiency: The timely completion of a proton therapy facility is mission critical. An experienced design partner will help manage the project efficiently, minimizing delays and cost overruns.
10. Risk Mitigation: Complex projects inherently come with various risks—technical, regulatory and financial. A capable and experienced design partner effectively identifies and mitigates these risks.
11. Quality of Care: The facility’s design directly influences the overall quality of patient care. Operational efficiency, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes all reflect the design partner’s impact, underscoring the importance of careful selection.

Bringing the Right Mix

Choosing the right design partner for proton therapy integration is a critical decision that affects the project’s success on multiple levels. By considering these 11 key factors, healthcare administrators can select a design partner who understands the intricacies of proton therapy and shares their commitment to excellence in patient care and operational efficiency. The right design partner brings a mix of expertise, foresight and empathy to a project, designing a proton therapy facility where cutting-edge treatment and compassionate care have room to converge.

Sandy Faurot, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP, CLGB is a Vice President at Gresham Smith.
Goran Vukovljak, AIA, LEED Green Associate, CLGB is a Project Executive at Gresham Smith.