Presented by the Master of Healthcare Design Program, Kent State University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), approximately 2.0 million people in 2023 are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. This substantial number, coupled with advancements in technology, underscores the importance of designing healthcare facilities that can accommodate patients and evolving treatments. With these new advancements, cancer care is undergoing a significant shift as novel therapies replace conventional treatments. Therefore, the design of cancer facilities must prioritize not only clinical necessities such as diagnosis and treatment but also patient well-being, thoughtful spatial planning, and improved outcomes. Designing these facilities entails considerations of advancements in diagnosis and treatment (e.g., telemedicine, Artificial Intelligence), the needs of specific patient populations (children vs. adults), and future adaptability and expansion. This symposium intends to provide architects, designers, and healthcare decision-makers with insights into the most effective approaches for developing cancer facilities.
Overall learning Outcomes:
Demonstrate an understanding of the cancer facilities and users.
Recognize the role of the design in supporting or hindering therapeutic experience and treatment within the cancer care facilities.
Recognize the advancements in cancer treatment and the need to support them through the design of the physical environment.
Identify design solutions to overcome challenges in cancer care facilities along with challenges to their implementation.
Identify the current evidence-based design practices and recommendations for cancer care facilities.
CEUs Available: AIA, EDAC