Training in Patient Navigation

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of patient navigation programs designed to increase timely receipt of health care, little is known about the content and delivery of patient navigation training, or best practices in this arena. The current study begins to address these gaps in understanding, as it is the first study to comprehensively review descriptions of patient navigation training in the peer-reviewed research literature. Seventy-five patient navigation efficacy studies published since 1995, identified through PubMed and by the authors, were included in this narrative review. Fifty-nine of the included studies (79%) mentioned patient navigation training, and fifty-five of these studies additionally provided a description of training. Most studies did not thoroughly document patient navigation training practices. Additionally, several topics integral to the role of patient navigators, as well as components of training central to successful adult learning, were not commonly described in the research literature. Descriptions of training also varied widely across studies in terms of duration, location, format, learning strategies employed, occupation of trainer, and content. These findings demonstrate the need for established standards of navigator training as well as future research on the optimal delivery and content of patient navigation training.

Peer Mentors for People with Advanced Cancer: Lessons Learnt from Recruiting and Training Peer Mentors for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

“…There is little evidence on the optimum length, mode or content of training programmes for peer mentors or other similar patient facing volunteers. Recent reviews have variously reported no trials in the area of volunteer training for those in palliative care roles [16] and little information on the training of peer supporters [9] and variation in duration, location, format, learning strategies employed and occupation of trainer and content of training reported in included studies [44]. Training typically takes place on more than 1 day, with a varied focus on organizational content (understanding the service to be provided, personal safety, lone working arrangements, safeguarding, etc.…”

Findings from the National Navigation Roundtable: A call for competency‐based patient navigation training

“…28 Similar to the rapid review, a recent review of patient navigation research found that nationwide, training content is inconsistent, with considerable differences noted in training components, duration, location, format, learning strategies, trainers' skills and knowledge, and program content. 5 To ensure that individuals acquire the knowledge and skills relevant to patient navigation, it is imperative that training be based on a consensus set of minimum core competencies connected to quality standards and that metrics be established. Such core competencies should articulate a patient navigation skill set that transcends the degree or type of clinical training.…”

“…In the research literature, patient navigation training was mentioned, but it lacked Cancer December 15, 2019 details about educational components. 5 Subsequently, the cochairs discussed issues with the task group members and used the internet as a source for identifying patient navigation training program details. Search terms included patient navigation, community health worker, lay and clinical, competencies, training, and education.…”

“…Evidence to date supports the use of individual and team-based navigation (eg, lay and licensed PNs) to improve health outcomes. 5 However, evidence-based research has been limited in assessing the types of training required for PNs. A systematic review of patient navigation programs indicates that training tends to be specific to research protocols rather than public patient navigation programs.…”

“…A systematic review of patient navigation programs indicates that training tends to be specific to research protocols rather than public patient navigation programs. 5 Some national associations and state organizations are attempting to standardize competencies for PN knowledge, skills, and performance, but they vary in their strategies for standardizing competencies, certification, and training curricula. Several organizations have identified core PN competencies (Oncology Nursing Society, Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators [AONN+], National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, Patient Navigator Training Collaborative, and George Washington Cancer Center's Online Academy).…”