Components and effectiveness of patient navigation programmes to increase participation to breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review

Abstract

Background Inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality can be partly explained by unequal access to high‐quality health services, including cancer screening. Several interventions have been described to increase access to cancer screening, among them patient navigation (PN), a barrier‐focused intervention. This systematic review aimed to identify the reported components of PN and to assess the effectiveness of PN to promote breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening. Methods We searched Embase, PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection databases. The components of PN programmes were identified, including the types of barriers addressed by navigators. The percentage change in screening participation was calculated. Results The 44 studies included were mainly on colorectal cancer and were conducted in the USA. All described their goals and community characteristics, and the majority reported the setting (97.7%), monitoring and evaluation (97.7%), navigator background and qualifications (81.4%) and training (79.1%). Supervision was only referred to in 16 studies (36.4%). Programmes addressed mainly barriers at the educational (63.6%) and health system level (61.4%), while only 25.0% reported providing social and emotional support. PN increased cancer screening participation when compared with usual care (0.4% to 250.6% higher) and educational interventions (3.3% to 3558.0% higher). Conclusion Patient navigation programmes are effective at increasing participation to breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening. A standardized reporting of the components of PN programmes would allow their replication and a better measure of their impact. Understanding the local context and needs is essential to design a successful PN programme.

Advancing health equity in improving breast cancer screening with the use of a mobile mammography bus in marginalised population: quality improvement project

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of patient navigation programmes in improving breast cancer screening rates, reducing disparities and enhancing patient satisfaction 22–26. These programmes have been particularly successful in reaching under-resourced populations and improving access to screening services.…”

Most users of a prenatal consultation dedicated to future fathers are immigrants facing hardship

“…Regarding men: Their median age was 35 [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40]; 35% had superior education, 14% were unemployed. Fifty-nine percent of those with whom contact had been established were immigrants (N= 1490): 25% came from Subsaharan Africa, 19% from North Africa or the Middle East.…”

Patient navigation in women’s health care for maternal health and noncancerous gynecologic conditions: a scoping review

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“…(Continued on the next page) https://doi.org/10.4069/whn.2024.03 15. Oh J • Patient navigation for women's health…”