The roles of cancer care facilities in users’ well-being

The experience of cancer patients often includes numerous consultations and procedures taking place in a variety of (cancer) care facilities. Relatives and care professionals play a part and have unique perspectives. This article describes the roles cancer care facilities play in the well-being of patients, relatives, and care professionals, and identifies spatial aspects contributing to these roles. The study draws on qualitative interviews with 15 participants (five patients receiving cancer treatment in four hospitals, five relatives, and five care professionals). Interviews with patients were complemented with photovoice and walking interviews. Cancer care facilities turn out to play a vital role by containing and mediating the confrontation with cancer. This requires attention for boundaries, routes, and transitions. Moreover, cancer care facilities can support coping by offering experiences of efficiency and normality, and opportunities to distance oneself from features typical of hospitals. The facilities are constantly changing, and the people they receive are also dealing with changing bodies. Attention should be paid to the sensory qualities and atmosphere at points of entrance. All users would benefit from improved spatial organization, 'homelike' qualities in designated spaces, and increased awareness of options to use spaces flexibly while ensuring a sense of spatial stability.