A Feasibility Study of a Volunteer Navigation Program in the Palliative Context

Abstract

Older persons with serious illnesses living in rural communities are an underserved population. They often live with heavy symptom burden and poor quality of life with limited access to resources. Nav-CARE (Navigation: Connecting Accessing Resourcing and Engaging) was developed to specially train and mentor volunteer navigators who help connect older persons with serious illness to the resources and information they need. Aims: This mixed methods longitudinal study evaluated Nav-CARE for feasibility, acceptability, ease of use, and satisfaction by older persons and volunteers. Methods: Nine volunteer navigators visited 23 older persons with serious illness every 3 to 4 weeks for 1 year. Data were collected from volunteer navigators, and older person participants at baseline, during the year- long implementation and post implementation. Results: Volunteer navigators and older persons reported Nav-CARE was easy to use, feasible and acceptable. The majority of older persons agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the navigation services (100%; 8/8), that navigation services were important to them (87%; 7/8), that they would recommend the program to someone else (87%; 7/8), and would participate in the program again (75%; 6/8). Similarly, volunteer navigators reported 100% (9/9) satisfaction with the program, 100% (9/9) would recommend it to others, and 67% (6/8) would participate again. Conclusions: Nav-CARE appears to be a feasible, acceptable, and satisfactory program for older persons with serious illness and volunteer navigators.

Intersectoral communication amongst healthcare providers regarding care plans: a scoping review

“… 64 In a study examining the feasibility and impact of a volunteer-led healthcare coordination project, volunteers assumed the role of navigators in early palliative care, they found this role to be rewarding and meaningful. 65 Furthermore, clients were highly satisfied with the volunteer program, noting that volunteers assisted them with coordinating access to services and awareness of available community resources. 65 A similar study found that volunteer initiatives decreased nurse involvement, but did not replace their participation altogether.…”

“… 65 Furthermore, clients were highly satisfied with the volunteer program, noting that volunteers assisted them with coordinating access to services and awareness of available community resources. 65 A similar study found that volunteer initiatives decreased nurse involvement, but did not replace their participation altogether. It was noted that mentorship provided by nurse navigators was critical to volunteers in understanding their role, and support from these nurses was helpful as volunteers learned their scope and boundaries.…”

Scaling out a palliative compassionate community innovation: Nav-CARE

“… 18 Next, pilot studies were conducted in Alberta and British Columbia in which we used a community-based nurse navigator 19 and then a nurse navigator in partnership with volunteer navigators to provide services to older persons living at home with serious illness. 20 – 22 Based on these pilot studies, we further refined the competencies and designed a model in which volunteers, supported by an established organization and knowledgeable volunteer coordinator (VC), formed the backbone of the intervention.…”