In an era of infinite challenges and finite resources, health systems must employ a rigorous approach to strategic and facility planning.
This is particularly true for oncology, where the pace of change and innovation is unprecedented.
As cancer services continue to evolve, it is key to create a physical space that is flexible and able to accommodate both medical and technical advances. Below are practical strategies for cancer facility planning.
• Forecast both near-term (e.g., 3-year) and long-term (e.g., 10-year) cancer patient volume, then translate those projections into objective values that include the number of exam rooms, square footage requirements, and capital asset requirements.
• Validate the calculated resource requirements (e.g., room totals) by running the projected volumes through a stress test.
• Develop a preliminary budget for facility cost. At this planning phase, the budget is directional and used to facilitate the decision-making process.
• Determine the level of technical and medical advances needed for your organization to keep pace with oncology innovation; factor a contingency amount into any budget for a new cancer facility. Evaluate the impact of other strategic and industry factors not addressed during prior phases (e.g., local building regulations, green design, patient-centered design).
This is part of an ongoing series from ECG Management Consultants about strategic considerations for health systems as they create new cancer facilities. Click here to read the next blog in the series. For more information, visit ECG’s website.