Patients’ experiences with navigation for cancer care

Abstract

Objective We examined how navigation, defined as the assessment and alleviation of barriers to adequate health care, influences patients' perspectives on the quality of their cancer care. Methods We conducted post-study patient interviews from a randomized controlled trial (usual care vs. patient navigation services) from cancer diagnosis through treatment completion. Patients were recruited from 11 primary care, hospital and community oncology practices in New York. We interviewed patients about their expectations and experience of patient navigation or, for non-navigated patients, other sources of assistance. Results Thirty-five patients newly diagnosed with breast or colorectal cancer. Valued aspects of navigation included emotional support, assistance with information needs and problem-solving, and logistical coordination of cancer care. Unmet cancer care needs expressed by patients randomized to usual care consisted of lack of assistance or support with childcare, household responsibilities, coordination of care, and emotional support. Conclusion Cancer patients value navigation. Instrumental benefits were the most important expectations for navigation from navigated and non-navigated patients. Navigated patients received emotional support and assistance with information needs, problem-solving, and logistical aspects of cancer care coordination. Practice Implications Navigation services may help improve cancer care outcomes important to patients by addressing fragmented, confusing, uncoordinated, or inefficient care.

The Patient Care Connect Program: Transforming Health Care Through Lay Navigation

“…The lay navigator partners with the patient, providing psychosocial support, information, opportunities for problem solving, and logistical assistance to mitigate or overcome obstacles to health. 13,19,20 Navigator training The curriculum was developed and delivered by a multidisciplinary team that comprises clinical and research faculty from medicine, psychology, allied health, nursing, social work, and chaplain services. We use multiple training modalities including Web-based self-paced modules, in-person skills workshops, and telephone-based booster sessions.…”

Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors with Oncology Settings in Urban India: Qualitative Findings

“…In the Indian context, as reported in another study as well, patients tend to leave the choice of treatment with the treating team [12]. In such situations, a counsellor/breast navigator can play an effective role in handling the informational and emotional needs of the patients and the family thereby, reducing time-related pressure on the treating team [13,14]. Moreover, as reported in another study, the issue of collusion also affects the decision making process in treatment process [15,16].…”

Survivorship Care Plans: A Work in Progress

“…We wonder whether, by using the language and concepts of "navigation," [61][62][63][64][65] "case management," 66 or "care coordinator," 67,68 hcps and researchers from many jurisdictions are already trying to address the need for supportive care throughout treatment and beyond. The tools, language, and timing might be different from those used by people speaking in terms of "survivorship" and using scps as defined by livestrong and the iom, but there are features in common.…”