Development of Nurse-led Navigation Program for Gastric Cancer Patients with Gastrectomy: Exploring the Effectiveness

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a nurse-led navigation program for gastric cancer patients with gastrectomy. Method:The experimental group consisted of 23 patients and the control group consisted of 22 patientswith gastric cancer after gastrectomy in K university hospital in Korea.A quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group was used. This study consists of two phases: a methodological study to develop a navigation program for gastric cancer patients and a quasi-experimental study to verify the effects of the navigation program. The navigation program was administered to the experimental group over 3 months with a total of 8 sessions.Result:The experimental group had lower distress than the control group (F = 5.298, p = 0.004). Theexperimental group had less weight changes than the control group (F = 4.390, p = 0.019), and the healthcare service satisfaction with regard to nurses was high (Z = 2.932, p = 0.003). However, the quality of life was not significantly different(F = 5.905, p = 0.707). Conclusion:The nurse-led navigation program for gastric cancer patients was effective at reducing distress, improving nutritional status, and increasing satisfaction with healthcare services. It is suggested to conduct long-term follow-up research to measure quality of life changes from the navigation program.

Patient navigation across the cancer care continuum: An overview of systematic reviews and emerging literature

“…Seven studies assessed the effects of patient navigation on psychosocial outcomes, such as quality of life, distress, satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. 96,[120][121][122][123][124][125] Two studies showed no significant effects of patient navigation on health-related quality of life or distress, 120,122 whereas the remaining five studies showed improvements in quality of life and psychological well-being after patient navigation. 96,121,[123][124][125] Studies also focused on the effects on screening knowledge, stigmas, and access to care.…”

“…96,[120][121][122][123][124][125] Two studies showed no significant effects of patient navigation on health-related quality of life or distress, 120,122 whereas the remaining five studies showed improvements in quality of life and psychological well-being after patient navigation. 96,121,[123][124][125] Studies also focused on the effects on screening knowledge, stigmas, and access to care. 114,126 Patient navigation resulted in improved access to supportive cancer care, completion of advanced care directives, and pain symptoms.…”