The Growing Importance of Cancer Care Navigation

Abstract

Knowledge of cancer screening guidelines, diagnostic processes, treatment options, survivorship issues & related physical, psychological, and social issues Knowledge of cancer clinical impacts and ability to intervene, to manage symptoms, and/ or assess functional status or psychosocial health Documentation Document activities within a client record Document patient encounters, barriers to care, and resources or referrals within a client or medical record Clinical documentation in medical record Focus of Patient Evaluation Activities Focus on community's needs and health behaviors Based on barriers to care, social determinants of health, health disparities, focus on ensuring timely completion of scheduled care Clinical outcomes and quality indicators Qualifications Training as a community health worker, some accreditation programs available Minimum high school or equivalence, bachelor of social work (BSW), plus training in a patient navigator program.