Taking Care

Over the past few years, the ongoing shift to provide more accessible health care services has led to an increase in new ambulatory care centers. With an estimated 500,000+ ambulatory care centers in the U.S., this trend continues to gain momentum. The decreasing health delivery costs are making this a more attainable goal than ever before, providing the opportunity for established facilities to expand their brand and respond to increased demand.

Ambulatory care centers leading the pack know that the key to success combines design with community engagement. The goal is to keep patients engaged in their health, both acute and preventative, by creating an environment that provides a high level of care and becomes an integrated part of the community.

In Tulsa, the Warren Clinics are helping to define a new era of ambulatory care.

Think Pink

Most companies have a unique identifier. The golden arches belong to McDonald’s, while Nike wouldn’t be the same without its signature “swoosh.” To residents of Tulsa, Saint Francis Health System is known as the “pink” hospital thanks to the all-pink exterior of the flagship hospital.

When CallisonRTKL was called upon to work with Saint Francis Health System in designing three new Warren Clinics, the team knew it was important to incorporate this already established trademark into the design for increased brand recognition. At the front of each clinic a large, glass wall with pink tones by the entrance incorporates the “pink” theme and creates a visual icon for each clinic.

Staying true to the brand elements can help set ambulatory centers apart from competitors and keep patients engaged.

Quality of Care

As an integrated part of the community, ambulatory care centers rely on return patients. While brand recognition can help bring them in, care offerings and level of service keep them coming back.

Extra attention was paid to creating design elements that added to a positive experience within the clinics. The concept of “Light from Above,” was established by utilizing natural light as a primary driver in the design for the interior. Large windows and skylights line hallways and patient exam room waiting areas to provide patients and staff with natural light and exterior views. Views to beautiful landscaping instead of parking lots and cars, views to a courtyard and water fountain in the middle of a pond at South Memorial, and water features under the pink walls are all features that can be seen from the interior and exterior. These elements of design provide patients and staff with a more enjoyable experience within the clinics.

Walt Disney World has an effective customer experience approach of separating the “behind the scenes” work from what the customer experiences. This “on-stage, off-stage” approach is implemented within the Warren Clinics. A central nursing unit helps increase efficiency, while patients go directly to the room where they will be seen instead of spending time in a waiting room. This method provides more privacy and improves overall patient experience satisfaction.

Maximizing Flexibility

It’s important to remember that ambulatory care centers are not hospitals, but they’re proving to be one of the most successful ways for established brands to expand and increase their community presence. Flexibility, convenience and accessibility continue to be the main drivers behind the rise of these facility types. Implementing new care models makes for an easier experience for the patient and creates a more collaborative environment for the staff. In the end, these elements come together to improve community health outcomes.