UAB Medicine Infusion Therapy has a new home in The Kirklin Clinic of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, bringing personalized, team-based, efficient and state-of-the-art care to UAB’s infusion patients and their families. UAB’s Infusion Therapy is the largest and only magnet-designated infusion therapy center in the state of Alabama, expanding access to expert care with modern and patient- and family-centered amenities.
Patients with diseases and conditions such as but not limited to cancer, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies and auto immune diseases are commonly treated through infusion therapy, in which medication is directly inserted into a vein. UAB’s Infusion Therapy offers chemotherapy, blood products, antibiotics, immunotherapies, injections and central line care.
With infusion therapy often taking several hours to complete, the new clinic space has been designed with family, privacy and comfort in mind. The 84-chair clinic offers a tremendous amount of natural light and openness, while also providing individual and private space for patients; this enables families and support systems to be present during infusion appointments.
“We are proud that we are able to offer the highest standards of comfort for our patients, specifically those who are coming to us regularly for continued outpatient treatment,” said Jordan DeMoss, vice president of Clinical Operations at UAB Hospital. “As part of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, the new clinic supports our mission at UAB Medicine to expand access and unmatched cancer care to all patients who seek our services.”
In addition to enhanced privacy, patient chairs have up-to-date technology including outlets for chargers, heating and reclining capabilities, and access to personal televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi. Furthermore, amenities like more Cold Cap machines for hair retention are available for women who may be interested in using them during their cancer treatments.
“The goal was to have our physicians and teams partner with the architects to design the optimal treating and healing environment for our patients and their companions,” explained Patricia J. Pritchett, J.D., BSN, senior vice president of Ambulatory Services at UAB Health System.
In Infusion Therapy’s new space, the merging of pharmacy services, laboratories and treatment will improve efficiency of treatment visits. It also brings the experts together in one space alongside patients and their families.
Another benefit for oncology patients specifically includes care from Oncology Care Certified Nursing staff and Oncology-specialized Pharmacists that will support the highest level of cancer care and specialized education in the state.
“With our new Infusion Therapy space, we are looking forward to blending expertise and personalized care that will further enhance the understanding and experience of patients receiving chemotherapy or other infusions,” explained Lisle Nabell, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, as well as medical director of Infusion Therapy. “We believe that, by consolidating our personnel and resources — in combination with open and new patient rooms and spaces — we will help to make infusion therapy time-efficient for patients and provide the highest level of patient guidance possible; this unit was designed with keeping the patient experience at the center of all aspects of development.”