The implementation of a patient navigator program improved breast cancer care as measured by BCCQI. The impact on disease-free and overall survival remains to be determined.

No abstract

128 Background: The role of the BNN during the treatment phase of the care continuum involves educating patients and families and assisting them with overcoming barriers to care by linking them to appropriate resources. Our BNN provides education to approximately 15 new patients per month. Additional navigation services are provided to 114 patients per month with an annual caseload of 580. The caseload volume limits the number of patients she can see in one day. With our existing volunteer NCN program, we decided to conduct a 3-month pilot project utilizing NCN in our breast clinic to provide navigation services while the BNN was on medical leave. Methods: Three NCN were trained by BNN to provide breast navigation services. Each NCN received a minimum of 10 hours of training, which included education regarding breast cancer, common barriers to care, and resources. The BNN created a navigation tool indicating the education to be provided at diagnosis, pre-and post-surgery, and systemic therapy. NCN provided education by utilizing videos and written materials. Patient medical questions were deferred to nursing staff and physicians. BNN provided training and resource guide to aide NCN to identify and link patients with appropriate resources and support staff. Results: NCN provided services to 78 patients including approximately 10 new patients per month. A total of 24 surveys were completed by healthcare team and patients. Results revealed 94% of patients agreed/strongly agreed NCN helped them feel better and reduced fears, 100% reported helpfulness in linking to resources and support programs, and 50% viewed a video and reported better understanding. Healthcare team overwhelmingly reported the emotional support provided was beneficial and that NCN were helpful in providing resources and recommended continuing. Conclusions: NCN are effective in providing additional navigation services. Our breast navigation program had a 29% increase in new patient encounters and 27% increase in returning patient encounters compared to the previous year prior to the addition of NCN. We plan to expand this model into other multidisciplinary clinics.