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.
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 cancercenters at leading hospitals throughout the United States, used thesimple question “What would patients want?” to conceive, build and operate a new cancer center. Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center opened in 2005, providing a full continuumof care in a 48,000-square-foot, $28 million building, in downtown Elizabeth.
The article notes how most cancer care delivery models function as “‘giantpeople movers,’ transporting patients througha healthcare system like cogs in a wheel.”The Trinitas model reverses this model, taking a “topdown” approach that works to minimize thedelayed appointments, billing problems, and scheduling errors thatstrike at the heart of patient inconvenience.
In addition, the article describes how hospitality and attention todetail are hallmarks of patient-centered care, embedded in the Trinitasculture through training classes, patient surveys and quarterlymeasurement programs. Based upon consumer studies of preferredamenities, Trinitas has a staff of valets to park patients’cars, a concierge to greet patients as they enter the center, andlaptops for patients to check email or conduct business during theirstay. There is even a golden retriever named Inker, who serves as partof the Trinitas pet therapy program.
“We’re proud thatthe editors of Oncology Issues chose to profile TrinitasComprehensive Cancer Center and our novel approach to cancer caredelivery,” said Richard Emery, executivedirector of the Center. “It validates ourbelief that focusing first and foremost on the patient experience setsour program apart from many care delivery systems in-place today.”
“The Trinitas model will become the industrystandard as patient expectations change and they demand more amenities,greater convenience and well-coordinated care,”said Stephen Bordelon, Aptium Oncology’sexecutive vice president, business development. “WhatTrinitas has done is to revolutionize how patients are treated, changingthe system and transforming the entire environment of the patient careexperience.”
About Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center
Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center (TCCC) is located in a new48,000-square-foot, $28 million building on the campus of TrinitasHospital.
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 cancerpatients, including the first Trilogy Linear Accelerator for radiationtherapy in New Jersey. Board-certified physicians, nurses and alliedhealth professionals are passionate in their fight against cancer andtheir mission to provide excellent patient care. The medical oncologytreatment area and infusion center includes 15 first-class privateinfusion rooms. Licensed state-of-the-art laboratory and pharmacyservices are all located on-site. With an interior design reminiscent ofa fine hotel, the Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center offers patientsand their companions a supportive and healing atmosphere. The Center’sprofessional services also include nutritional, psychosocial, painmanagement, and clinical trials.
Aptium Oncology
Aptium Oncology has more than 20 years of experience managing outpatientoncology services at leading medical institutions throughout the UnitedStates. Aptium Oncology is a pioneer in designing, building and managingcomprehensive cancer centers with a steadfast vision to transform cancercare environments by bringing every necessary service to one centralplace. The intent of this single place is to help patients achievelonger, better lives. Aptium Oncology's corporate headquarters islocated in Los Angeles. For more information visit www.aptiumoncology.com.
