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BY SANDY FAUROT One of the intended outcomes of the healthcare law was to improve overall community health, rather than just treat patients when they become sick. This has led to the development of facilities that off er compre- hensive care for patients with chronic conditions or long-term diseases such as cancer, diabetes and morbid obesity. The ACA also aims to make health coverage more accessible and aff ordable while improving the quality of care and reduc- ing medical costs. As a result, healthcare reimbursements have been tied to metrics of decreased costs and improved community health. The bottom line: more of a focus has been placed on pre- ventive care and other support- ive services for chronic diseases such as bariatrics. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one- third (78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese and this number has been steadily increasing. The field of bariatrics is becoming increas- ingly specialized, with new surgical and non-surgical procedures offering patients a greater variety of treatment op- tions. Bariatric care includes much more than surgery. Successful bariatric centers provide nutritional programs, counseling, psychiatric care, physical therapy, follow-up care and group support. There are a number of design considerations that ensure the success of a bariatric program. Considerations include: Convenience A convenient location helps add to a positive experience and accommodates patients that have trouble traveling far. Locating programs in outpa- tient settings often means easier access, better wayfi nding and closer proximity to parking and transportation. One example is the recently opened Presence Chicago Institute of Advanced Bariatrics at Presence Center for Advanced Care in Chicago, Illinois. Locating it within a new ambu- latory care center was a natural choice for a service line that cares for patients with mobility challenges. The building, located in a dense urban neighborhood adjacent to Presence Saint Joseph Hospital, includes sev- eral levels of parking with easy wayfi nding and direct access to the institute to make it as conve- nient as possible for patients. Comprehensive services Creating spaces that support bariatric patients is important for being able to provide a wide range of care and to keep the healthcare facility competitive in the marketplace. Providing for a full spectrum of services within a bariatric center means that the patient can receive compre- hensive care without having to travel to multiple locations. CONTINUOUS Top patient, design considerations for today's bariatric spaces CARE 40 Medical Construction & Design | SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2016 | MCDM AG.COM