At NexCore, we’ve spent the last 30 years developing exceptional outpatient facilities for leading healthcare providers such as Sutter, Baylor, Common Spirit, Trinity, and HCA. Through this journey, we have accumulated insights that inform our approach to designing and operating outpatient centers. Here are some key lessons learned:
1. Location and accessibility matter
Choosing the right site is crucial. We select locations that consumers deem to be convenient and visible. Key considerations include:
- Conducting thorough network planning to factor in consolidation opportunities and future growth.
- Ensuring proximity to residential areas and typical destinations, allowing for easy access to care.
- Creating service area definitions based on drive times of five to ten minutes for primary care visits and ten to twenty minutes for specialty care.
2. Wayfinding and parking
Effective wayfinding and parking are essential for a positive patient experience. Our strategies include:
- Designing entrances that are clearly visible from main access points.
- Anticipating parking needs based on service demand, separating staff and patient parking, and providing dedicated spaces for longer appointment types, such as infusion therapy.
- Implementing clear signage and intuitive internal directories to guide patients smoothly through the facility.
3. Comprehensive service offerings
Patients increasingly prefer facilities that offer a comprehensive range of services. To meet this demand:
- We aim to provide a one-stop care experience, integrating primary care, outpatient services, and as many specialists as economically feasible.
- Recruiting independent specialists can enhance service offerings while keeping start up costs manageable.
- It’s essential to strategically assess the value of additional spaces, like conference rooms and patient education areas, even if they don’t generate direct ROI.
4. Operational models drive design
Understanding the operational model before initiating the design process is crucial. This decision ensures:
- Facilities are designed to accommodate the agreed-upon service delivery model, including centralized registration and waiting areas.
- The rooming model — whether self-rooming, concierge, or medical assistant rooming — is determined early to influence design decisions.
5. Integrated and coordinated care delivery
To enhance patient experiences, we emphasize seamless coordination among providers and services. Key components include:
- Implementing a cohesive electronic medical record (EMR) system that minimizes redundancy and enhances patient information flow.
- Designing efficient patient reception areas and pre-registration processes to streamline visits.
- Create IT solutions that bridge different IT systems so patients experience seamless registration and communication amongst providers.
6. Design attributes matter
The physical environment significantly impacts patient perceptions and experiences. We focus on:
- Creating welcoming and warm spaces that reflect modern medical practices and instill confidence in patients.
- Considering exterior materials and overall aesthetics to create a positive first impression.
- Designing for optimal patient flow to minimize wait times and enhance operational efficiency.
7. Comprehensive programming before design
Successful projects require thorough programming before design can begin. We recommend:
- Establishing each department’s size and functionality based on projected volumes.
- Agreeing on a stacking plan early to avoid costly redesigns later.
- Prioritizing programming efforts to ensure all elements are well-integrated into the design.
8. Early business planning
A robust business plan is critical for project success. This involves:
- Enlisting executive leadership to champion the project.
- Collaborating with department heads to complete comprehensive business plans.
- Providing leadership to the planning process.
9. Accelerating speed to market
Speed in the development process often hinges on planning rather than construction. To expedite timelines, we focus on:
- Prioritizing feasibility studies, programming, site selection, and operational models early in the process.
- Choosing experienced consultants who can enhance planning and delivery outcomes.
Conclusion
At NexCore, our approach combines extensive planning capabilities with operational expertise. Our in-house staff and research teams ensure we provide value-added services grounded in real-world experience. As we look to the future, we remain committed to learning and evolving in our mission to create exceptional medical outpatient facilities that serve communities effectively.