Cancer patient experience with navigation service in an urban hospital setting: a qualitative study

Abstract

Cancer patient navigators are increasingly present on the oncology health care team. The positive impact of navigation on cancer care is recognised, yet a clear understanding of what the patient navigator does and how he/she executes the role continues to emerge. This study aimed to understand cancer patients' perceptions of, and experiences with patient navigation, exploring how navigation may enhance the patient experience in an urban hospital setting where patients with varying needs are treated. A qualitative study using a constructionist approach was conducted. Fifteen colorectal cancer patients participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Data were analyzed inductively and iteratively. Findings provide insight into two central aspects of cancer navigation: navigation as patient-centred coordination and explanation of clinical care, and navigation as individualised, holistic support. Within these themes, the key benefits of navigation from the patients' perspective were demystifying the system; ensuring comprehension, managing expectations; and, delivering patient-centred care. The navigator provided individualised and extended family support; a holistic approach; and, addressed emotional and psychological needs. These findings provide a means to operationalise and validate an emerging role description and competency framework for the cancer navigator who must identify and adapt to patients' varying needs throughout the cancer care continuum.

A narrative evaluation of a community‐based nurse navigation role in an urban at‐risk community

“…The issue of trust is a vital component to building a therapeutic relationship (Arnold & Underman Boggs, ). The importance of establishing a trusting relationship with the navigator coincides with other literature on patients’ experience of navigation (Carroll, Humiston, Meldrum, Salamone, & Jean‐Pierre, ; Fischer, Sauaia, & Kutner, ; Gotlib Conn, Hammond Mobillio, Rotstein, & Blacker, ). Carroll et al.…”

The role of patient navigation in supporting low-income older adults in their housing needs during hospital to home transitions: A qualitative descriptive study from Ontario, Canada

“…Another key finding that emerged from the data was system-level challenges to offering support stemming from a lack of housing resources. Although housing navigation may not overcome challenges to waitlists, individuals experience navigation as a means of demystifying complex systems 28 to make the existing services easier to access and advocate for public policy that reflects housing as health. With this said, it is important to recognize that housing patient navigators will need to acquire experience and service knowledge over time that allows them to recommend appropriate services.…”

Identifying opportunities to support patient-centred care for ductal carcinoma in situ: qualitative interviews with clinicians

“…The navigation role provides a measure of security and familiarity through continuity of care and integrates multiple areas of care coordination, including streamlining medical appointments, providing education and assisting with access to financial services and psychological support throughout and following treatment [44,45]. In cancer care, research shows that patients who had access to PNs reported fewer problems with care and improved delivery of PCC [46,47]. There are several barriers to implementation of PNs, including availability of trained PNs, distribution of PNs across rural or remote regions, and health care costs associated with use of PNs.…”