The process of integrating oncology nurse navigators into joint (hospital-community) local teams

Abstract

Abstract

An integrative framework to support the assessment function of Quebec’s pivot nurses in oncology

“…Individuals appreciate a human approach, as person-centred communication promotes the development of a therapeutic relationship (Fillion et al, 2010;Sussman et al, 2011). Unfortunately, Gri ths et al…”

“…In closing, while some studies focused on the role of PNOs in Quebec (Cook et al, 2013;Fillion et al, 2006Fillion et al, , 2008Fillion et al, , 2009Fillion et al, , 2010Fillion et al, , 2011Fillion et al, , 2012Hébert & Fillion, 2011;Skrutkowski et al, 2008), none of them speci cally addressed the PNOs' assessment function. This is why we recently undertook a qualitative study with some PNOs in the Québec City area by using our integrative framework (Fournier, 2011).…”

“…Although the recommended assessment must be completed over several time points of the disease continuum (Bowman & Grim, 2008;Fillion et al, 2010;Jackson, 2008;Jennings-Sanders et al, 2005;Pedersen & Hack, 2010;Sussman et al, 2011), it is sometimes limited to the illness investigation phase (Campbell, Craig, Eggert, & BaileyDorton, 2010), survival phase (Kimman 2007;Knowles, et al, 2007) and palliative phase (Gri ths, Ewing, & Rogers, 2010).…”

“…Their role includes four functions: 1) needs assessment of the cancer patient and their family; 2) education and information regarding the disease and treatments, as well as symptom management and available resources; 3) physical and psychological support of clients, and; 4) coordination and continuity of actions among care professionals and environments (MSSS, Lévesque-Boudreau, & Champagne, 2008). Although these functions are all inextricably linked to ensure optimal quality of life for patients (Fillion et al, 2010), the assessment plays a deciding role in implementing interventions that are timely, e cient and centred on cancer patients' needs (Hébert & Fillion, 2011).…”

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose? Musings from Montreal

“…The 'intervenant pivot' or case management service for oncology patients is one such example from Quebec. These nurses act as professional clinical navigators to educate and support cancer patients, assess and manage their global symptom burden, and coordinate their care as part of a multidisciplinary team [6]. Pivot nurses with similar functions have been incorporated within the heart failure service of the Montreal Heart Institute to promote cohesive care.…”