Evaluation of a Patient Navigation Program

Abstract

This study examined the value and effectiveness of a patient navigation program in terms of timeliness of access to cancer care, resolution of barriers, and satisfaction in 55 patients over a six-month period. Although not statistically significant, the time interval between diagnostic biopsy to first consultation with a cancer specialist after program implementation was reduced from an average of 14.6 days to 12.8 days. The time interval between diagnostic biopsy to initiation of cancer treatment also was reduced from 30 days to 26.2 days (not statistically significant). In addition, 71% of patient barriers were resolved by the time treatment was initiated. Overall, patients were highly satisfied with their navigated care experience. Consistent evaluation and monitoring of quality-of-care indicators are critical to further develop the program and to direct resource allocation. Oncology nurses participating in patient navigation programs should be encouraged to evaluate their importance and impact in this developing concept. Nurses should seek roles that allow them to optimize the effective use of their specialized knowledge and skills to the benefit of patients along the cancer care continuum.

Implementation of evidence-based patient navigation programs

“…Weber [13] also found no benefit in treatment adherence, but did find some benefit in post-treatment monitoring. Studies by Haideri [14], Ell [15] and Koh [16] also showed minimal to no benefit on timeliness to cancer treatment. Other studies, however, have shown benefit.…”

Applying Best Practices to Designing Patient Education for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Pursuing Kidney Transplant

“…67 These navigators are either peers or educated professionals who assist patients in moving through the health care process. Koh et al 68 studied the use of a patient navigation system in cancer patients. Their study showed that more than 71% of the barriers to care such as fear, lack of financial resources, transportation, and child care were resolved at the first treatment visit thanks to interventions by patient navigators.…”

Rapport d’évaluation des services d’infirmières pivots pour le programme de soutien au cancer du sein

“…Ce changement exige des infirmières en oncologie qu'elles continuent de saisir les occasions qui s'offrent à elles et de créer des straté-gies innovatrices pour assurer aux patientes un parcours sans heurts tout au long de la trajectoire de soins (Case, 2010). Les études montrent que la présence d'infirmières pivots en oncologie produit des résultats mesurables et que cette présence devrait être évaluée afin que soient examinées l'efficacité et la valeur des interventions infirmières qui utilisent de manière optimale leurs connaissances et compétences spécialisées pour le bien des patientes (Case, 2010;Koh, Nelson et Cook, 2010). Les données indiquent que les femmes qui reçoivent un diagnostic de cancer du sein et le traitement associé considèrent important que les prestataires de soins transmettent de l'information claire et cohérente pour les soutenir tout au long de leur expérience (Grunfeld et Earle, 2010;Mayer, Gerstel, Leak et Smith, 2012;.…”

“…La réduction des effets psychosociaux liés au diagnostic de cancer aide les patientes à acqué-rir des habiletés d'adaptation, ce qui peut améliorer l'issue du traitement et la qualité de vie (Hryniuk, Simpson, McGowan et Carter, 2014;Institute of Medicine, 2008). Les cliniques ont conçu et évalué avec efficacité des programmes d'infirmières pivots pour combler les lacunes au niveau des besoins psychosociaux des familles et en matière d'information et de coordination des soins offerts aux patientes admises au centre de traitement du cancer (Horner, Ludman, McCorkle, Canfield, Flaherty et al, 2012;Koh, Nelson et Cook, 2010).…”