Professional patient navigation in head and neck cancer

Patient Navigation in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patient navigation promotes access to timely treatment of chronic diseases by eliminating barriers to care. Patient navigation programs have been well-established in improving screening rates and diagnostic resolution. This systematic review aimed to characterize the multifaceted role of patient navigators within the realm of cancer treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

A comprehensive electronic literature review of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the role of patient navigators in cancer treatment from August 1, 2009 to March 27, 2023. Fifty-nine articles were included in this review. Amongst studies focused on cancer treatment initiation, 70% found a significant improvement in treatment initiation amongst patients who were enrolled in patient navigation programs, 71% of studies focused on treatment adherence demonstrated significant improvements in treatment adherence, 87% of studies investigating patient satisfaction showed significant benefits, and 81% of studies reported a positive impact of patient navigators on quality care indicators. Three palliative care studies found beneficial effects of patient navigation. Thirty-seven studies investigated disadvantaged populations, with 76% of them concluded that patient navigators made a positive impact during treatment. This systematic review provides compelling evidence supporting the value of patient navigation programs in cancer treatment. The findings suggest that patient navigation plays a crucial role in improving access to care and optimizing treatment outcomes, especially for disadvantaged cancer patients. Incorporating patient navigation into standard oncology practice can reduce disparities and improve the overall quality of cancer care.

Transitional Care Navigation

OBJECTIVES

This manuscript aims to provide an extensive review of the literature, synthesize findings, and present substantial insights on the current state of transitional care navigation. Additionally, the existing models of care, pertaining to the concept and approach to transitional care navigation, will be highlighted.

METHODS

An extensive search was conducted though using multiple search engines, topic-specific key terminology, eligibility of studies, as well as a limitation to only literature of existing relevance. Integrity of the evidence was established through a literature review matrix source document. A synthesis of nursing literature from organizations and professional publications was used to generate a comparison among various sources of evidence for this manuscript. Primary evidence sources consisted of peer-reviewed journals and publications from professional organizations such as the AHRQ, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and the Talbot research library.

RESULTS

A total of five systematic reviews (four with meta-analysis) published between 2016 and 2022 and conducted in several countries (Brazil, Korea, Singapore, and the US) were included in this review. A combined total of 105 studies were included in the systematic reviews with 53 studies included in meta-analyses. The review of the systematic reviews identified three overarching themes: care coordination, care transition, and patient navigation. Care coordination was associated with an increase in care quality rating, increased the health-related quality of life in newly diagnosed patients, reduced hospitalization rates, reduced emergency department visits, timeliness in care, and increased appropriateness of healthcare utilization. Transitional care interventions resulted to reduced average number of admissions in the intervention (I) group vs control (C) (I = 0.75, C = 1.02) 180 days after a 60-day intervention, reduced readmissions at 6 months, and reduced average number of visits 180 days after 60-day intervention (I = 2.79, C = 3.60). Nurse navigators significantly improved the timeliness of care from cancer screening to first-course treatment visit (MD = 20.42, CI = 8.74 to 32.10, P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The care of the cancer patient entails treatments, therapies, and follow-up care outside of the hospital setting. These transitions can be challenging as they require coordination and collaboration among various health care sites. The attributes of transitional care navigation overlap with care coordination, care transition, and patient navigation. There is an opportunity to formally develop a transitional care navigation model to effectively addresses the challenges in care transitions for patient including barriers to health professional exchange of information or communication across care settings and the complexity of coordination between care settings. The transitional care navigation and clinic model developed at a free-standing NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center is a multidisciplinary approach created to close the gaps in care from hospital to home.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

A transitional care navigation model aims to transform the existing perspectives and viewpoints of hospital discharge and transition of care to home or post-acute care settings as two solitary processes to that of a collective approach to care. The model supports provides an integrated continuum of quality, comprehensive care that supports patient compliance with treatment regimens, reinforces patient and caregiver education, and improves health outcomes.

A Discourse of Deviance: Blame, Shame, Stigma and the Social Construction of Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer of the head and neck is a confronting condition, as the disease and its treatments alter the appearance and function of body organs associated with physical appearance and identity. Many of the risk factors for head and neck cancers, including tobacco, alcohol, and human papilloma virus, can also have significant negative social and moral permutations. Language and action (discourse) plays an important role in constructing disease and illness and shape the way it is managed, both institutionally and socially. This research used a critical constructionist lens to investigate how the common discourses surrounding head and neck cancer are constructed within the healthcare context and how this influences patients and healthcare professionals' responses to the illness. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field noting, journaling and literature reviews. Analysis was guided by a three-dimensional approach to critical discourse analysis that investigated text, discursive practices, and social context. The overarching finding was that deviance dominates the common discourse and shapes head and neck cancer and responses to it. Deviance is channelled through metaphors, adjectives, descriptors, and collective nouns and is made overt through labelling, avoidance, blaming, shame, and categorization. Discourse is contextualized by a sociocultural understanding that when someone deviates from what is perceived as normal, they are devalued. Open dialogue and reflection on head and neck cancer discourse could enable better understanding of how people experience their condition and inform more supportive responses.

A Qualitative Study of the Factors Influencing Patients' Experience of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

Treatment of soft tissue sarcoma frequently involves extensive surgery, loss of mobility, and complex rehabilitation programs. Poorer patient-reported outcomes are reported in comparison to those from patients with other cancer types. Understanding patient experience is therefore important to support patients and improve care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was an in-depth exploration of patients' experience of being diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 68 patients with soft tissue sarcoma (59% female; aged 23-82 years). These were analyzed using adapted framework analysis.

RESULTS

Two overarching themes explained the factors influencing patients' experiences: individual and social factors to manage the impact of soft tissue sarcoma; and context and processes of care. Access to professionals with sarcoma expertise and services in specialist hospitals had an impact on patients' well-being. Lack of access to specialist services and coordinated care were associated with worse experiences. These were influenced by age and support from family/friends/other patients and were crucial in patients' adaptation to living with and beyond a sarcoma diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

We describe factors that both negatively and positively influenced the experience of patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Access to specialist soft tissue sarcoma and rehabilitation services and support tailored to patients' age and disease trajectory are needed to improve these experiences.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

Nurses are important for helping patients manage the long-term effects and directing them to supportive care services. Rehabilitation services need to be available and easily accessible.

A patient-centered evaluation of a novel medical student-based patient navigation program

OBJECTIVES

Understand the patient experience of a pilot medical student-based patient navigator (PN) program. (2) Assess areas of improvement for further development as a model for expansion.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study assessing patients' subjective experience of medical student navigators for rheumatological conditions. Current student navigators contacted enrolled patients by phone with both structured and free-response questions.

RESULTS

44 of 71 patients completed the questionnaire. 84% reported a satisfaction of ≥ 4 on a 5 point Likert scale. > 80% of patients felt that the program helped them better care for their health, feel more understood by their medical team, and feel cared for by their healthcare team. Medical student navigators were able to assist with most patient requests.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients enrolled in our medical student PN program expressed high levels of satisfaction and felt better able to access health resources with the help of a navigator.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Employing medical students as PNs may serve as a mutually beneficial intervention providing early clinical exposure to students while furthering patient access to care. Other institutions may benefit from similarly structured interventions.

A support nurse may strengthen the participation of patients with low socio-economic status in treatment pathways of head and neck cancer: A theory-based evaluation

AIM

To test and evaluate a support nurse intervention within the head and neck cancer (HNC) pathway.

BACKGROUND

Even though interventions aiming to support patients with a low socio-economic status have been a focus for development and implementation in several countries, research still shows that these patients often have unmet needs and encounter challenges in communicating with health professionals during their treatment pathways. Furthermore, support interventions are few in Denmark and none of the existing interventions target patients with HNC receiving radiation therapy of whom the majority have a low socio-economic status and therefore potentially carry a high risk of being challenged during their treatment pathways.

DESIGN

A theory-based evaluation was used as framework. A support nurse intervention was designed to offer patients with a low socio-economic status help and support in the initial part of the HNC pathway. Eleven patients were included in the trial period.

METHODS

The evaluation of the intervention was based on interviews, a questionnaire survey and field notes.

RESULTS

The expected outputs were achieved, thus: (1) the patients felt supported and assisted, (2) the support nurse was capable of supporting, helping and accompanying the patients, (3) the patients were informed as relevant and understood the information provided. Unexpected outputs were that the support nurse was capable of co-ordinating the pathway in line with the patient's needs and that she facilitated the interaction between patients and health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Support for patients with a low socio-economic status improves their ability to engage in their cancer treatment pathway. This, in turn, increases their preparedness for participation and, hence, strengthens their choice of treatment.

REPORTING METHOD

This study is reported using consolidated guideline for reporting interventions Template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR checklist). We used theory-based evaluation as described by Peter Dahler-Larsen.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Patient information, communication and competence empowerment in oncology: Results and learnings from the PIKKO study

PURPOSE

Many concepts for accompanying and supporting cancer patients exist and have been studied over time. One of them was PIKKO (a German acronym for "Patient information, communication and competence empowerment in oncology"), which combined a patient navigator, socio-legal and psychological counseling (with psychooncologists), courses dealing with various supportive aspects, and a knowledge database with validated and easy-to-understand disease-related information. The aim was to increase the patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), self-efficacy as well as health literacy and to reduce psychological complaints such as depression and anxiety.

METHODS

To this purpose, an intervention group was given full access to the modules in addition to treatment as usual, while a control group received only treatment as usual. Over twelve months, each group was surveyed up to five times. Measurements were taken using the SF12, PHQ-9, GAD, GSE, and HLS-EU-Q47.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in scores on the mentioned metrics. However, each module was used many times and rated positively by the patients. Further analyses showed a tendency higher score in health literacy with higher intensity of use of the database and higher score in mental HRQoL with higher intensity of use of counseling.

CONCLUSION

The study was affected by several limitations. A lack of randomization, difficulties in recruiting the control group, a heterogeneous sample, and the COVID-19 lockdown influenced the results. Nevertheless, the results show that the PIKKO support was appreciated by the patients and the lack of measurable effects was rather due to the mentioned limitations than to the PIKKO intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trial Register under DRKS00016703 (21.02.2019, retrospectively registered). https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00016703.

Assessing readiness to implement patient navigator programs in Toronto, Canada

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors influencing the implementation of patient navigator programs within a hospital for seniors with complex care needs.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive design using in-depth interviews was conducted. Participant interviews were conducted in Toronto, Ontario between September 2020 and February 2021. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 participants from a large urban hospital (n = 21) and community healthcare organizations (n = 17), including organizational leaders, and acute care and rehabilitation providers. Follow-up interviews occurred with 16 participants (7 from the community and nine from the hospital). This study identified five key factors influencing organizational readiness for successful implementation of a patient navigator program for seniors with complex conditions, which included: (a) vision from senior leadership, (b) technological infrastructure, (c) existing hospital-community partnerships, (d) well-established process for referrals, and (e) staff capacity. The overarching theme of communication was also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study provide a better understanding of hospital and community professionals' needs and challenges when implementing patient navigator programs for seniors with complex care conditions. There are a number of factors that influence an organization's readiness for program uptake and delivery, with the need for clear communication being paramount. Further research to test the effects of readiness on successful implementation outcomes is warranted.

What do people with lung cancer and stroke expect from patient navigation? A qualitative study in Germany

OBJECTIVE

This qualitative study investigated patients' needs and wishes in relation to patient navigation.

DESIGN

A qualitative interview study was conducted. Participants were invited to take part in three in-depth interviews over a period of 6-12 months. Thematic analysis was used.

SETTING

Interviewees were sought in the Berlin metropolitan area of Germany in academic university hospitals, in rehabilitation clinics and through self-help organisations.

PARTICIPANTS

The sample consisted of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer (n=20) or stroke (n=20).

RESULTS

From the perspective of interviewees, patient navigators should function as consistent contact persons, present during the whole care trajectory. Their role would be to guide patients through an often confusing healthcare landscape, offering practical, advisory and emotional assistance corresponding to patients' needs. The study shows that-independent of the disease-participants had similar expectations and needs regarding support from navigators.

CONCLUSION

For chronic and complex diseases-as is the case with lung cancer and stroke-it appears less important for navigators to fulfil disease-specific tasks. Rather, they should ensure that patients' more general needs, in relation to social, practical and emotional support, are met in a way that suits their individual wishes. Following these results, patient navigation programmes might be designed to include generic elements, which should then be adapted to the infrastructure in a particular healthcare region and to the particularities of a specific healthcare system.

Factors Influencing the Implementation of Patient Navigation Programs for Adults with Complex Needs: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Patient navigation is a model of care that aims to improve access to care by reducing the complexity of navigating health, education, and social services across the continuum of care and care settings. Little is known about the processes that facilitate or impede the implementation of patient navigation programs (PNPs). We conducted a scoping review to identify and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the implementation and outcomes of existing implemented PNPs. We employed a 6-stage scoping review framework to identify and review eligible articles. Sixty-articles met the inclusion criteria (58 peer-reviewed and 2 grey literature). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research served as the theoretical framework during analysis to help extract factors relevant to implementation of navigator programs. Results of the scoping review are reported thematically. Influences on implementation were identified: (a) planning to ensure alignment with organizational need (b) funding (c) multidisciplinary engagement (d) establishing workflow (e) mechanisms for communication (f) stakeholders to encourage buy-in (g) appropriate caseload (h) in kind resources. PNPs improve the experiences of patients and families. The findings of this scoping review provides implementation considerations of PNPs across global care settings. Strategies for overcoming pragmatic and logistical issues must be developed for optimal implementation.

Barriers to Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Care in a Community Oncology Practice

Complex, coordinated, and collaborative care of patients with head and neck cancer can be challenging yet amazingly rewarding and successful. The high symptom burden across multiple functional domains in patients with head and neck cancer, even in early stages of disease, mandates a multidisciplinary team approach that harnesses the combined contributions of physicians and ancillary providers to drive greater patient-centered care, addressing factors that heavily influence morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Well-organized community-based multidisciplinary teams fulfill this unmet need and benefit patients with conveniently located comprehensive services that are typically found in large academic centers. Equivalent, if not superior, outcomes can be achieved in a unified community-based multidisciplinary team with shared patient-centered and outcomes-based goals. However, implementing true multidisciplinary team care in today's complex health care environment is fraught with challenges and pitfalls. So how have some community-based practices managed to create safe and efficient programs with successful outcomes? The purpose of this review is to discuss barriers to reaching this success and emphasize practical solutions to such challenges.

[Place of coordination of complex pathways in oncology by coordinating private nurses]

BACKGROUND

The complexity of the hospital-city care pathway is a real challenge because of the lack of coordination and communication between many stakeholders. As part of a call for projects from the General Directorate of Healthcare Provision, an experiment involving private oncology coordinating nurses was developed to address this issue. To our knowledge, there is no evaluation so far of such a protocol .

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study focused on data from the ONC'IDEC program between 2015 and 2018, where 28 private nurses provided a 24/7 hotline. The objective was to qualitatively assess the coordination of this system. The nature and number of calls, patient satisfaction and medico-economic parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

More than a hundred patients (n=114) were included in this device (mean age: 72 ± 12 years). The most frequent reasons for calls concerned the patient's general condition (35 %) and home treatment follow-ups (13 %) but also referrals to the primary doctor (4 %), which helped avoiding hospitalizations. The patients were satisfied with the experiment (overall score of 8.4/10).

DISCUSSION

Thanks to the ONC'IDEC program, patients were able to benefit from more appropriate care through a privileged interlocutor by making their care pathway more fluid and avoiding hospitalizations. It would be interesting to confirm these results by means of a study with a higher level of evidence, by comparing this protocol to conventional hospital coordination.

Palliative care in the context of immune and targeted therapies: A qualitative study of bereaved carers' experiences in metastatic melanoma

BACKGROUND

Immune and targeted therapies continue to transform treatment outcomes for those with metastatic melanoma. However, the role of palliative care within this treatment paradigm is not well understood.

AIM

To explore bereaved carers' experiences of immune and targeted therapy treatment options towards end of life for patients with metastatic melanoma.

DESIGN

An interpretive, qualitative study using a social constructivist framework was utilised. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using grounded theory methods.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Participants (n = 20) were bereaved carers of patients who had received some form of immune and/or targeted therapy at one of three Australian metropolitan melanoma treatment centres.

RESULTS

Carers struggled to reconcile the positive discourse around the success of immune and targeted therapies in achieving long-term disease control, and the underlying uncertainty in predicting individual responses to therapy. Expectations that immune and targeted therapies necessarily provide longer-term survival were evident. Difficulty in prognostication due to clinical uncertainty and a desire to maintain hope resulted in lack of preparedness for treatment failure and end of life.

CONCLUSION

Immune and targeted therapies have resulted in increased prognostic challenges. There is a need to engage, educate and support patients and carers to prepare and plan amid these challenges. Educational initiatives must focus on improving communication between patients, carers and clinicians; the differences between palliative and end-of-life care; and increased competency of clinicians in having goals-of-care discussions. Clinicians must recognise and communicate the benefit of collaborative palliative care to meet patient and family needs holistically and comprehensively.

Patient needs and priorities for patient navigator programmes in chronic kidney disease: a workshop report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Patients with early chronic kidney disease (CKD) face challenges in accessing healthcare, including delays in diagnosis, fragmented speciality care and lack of tailored education and psychosocial support. Patient navigator programmes have the potential to improve the process of care and outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe the experiences of patients on communication, access of care and self-management and their perspectives on patient navigator programmes in early CKD.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We convened a workshop in Australia with 19 patients with CKD (all stages including CKD Stage 1 to 5 not on dialysis, 5D (dialysis), and 5T (transplant)) and five caregivers. All of them were over 18 years and English-speaking. Transcripts from the workshop were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Four themes that captured discussions were: lost in the ambiguity of symptoms and management, battling roadblocks while accessing care, emotionally isolated after diagnosis and re-establishing lifestyle and forward planning. Five themes that focussed on patient navigator programmes were: trust and credibility, respecting patient choices and readiness to accept the programme, using accessible language to promote the programme, offering multiple ways to engage and communicate and maintaining confidentiality and privacy. Of the 17 features identified as important for a patient navigator programme, the top five were delivery of education, psychosocial support, lifestyle modification, communication and decision-making support and facilitating care.

CONCLUSION

Patient navigator services can address gaps in services around health literacy, communication, psychosocial support and coordination across multiple healthcare settings. In comparison to the existing navigator programmes, and other services that are aimed at addressing these gaps, credible, accessible and flexible patient navigator programmes for patients with early CKD, that support education, decision-making, access to care and self-management designed in partnership with patients, may be more acceptable to patients.

Élaboration d'un énoncé de position national sur la navigation des patients atteints de cancer au Canada

Au Canada, le paysage des soins du cancer évolue et les infirmières en oncologie sont appelées à jouer de nouveaux rôles afin d'améliorer l'expérience des patients et des familles et de répondre à leurs besoins toujours changeants. L'un de ces rôles, la navigation des patients atteints de cancer (NPC), vise principalement à coordonner les soins centrés sur la personne et à guider les patients dans le système de santé. Dans plusieurs provinces et territoires du Canada, la navigation est devenue essentielle pour offrir des soins de grande qualité aux patients cancéreux. Depuis 2016, des chefs de file des soins infirmiers oncologiques se réunissent au sein d'un groupe national pour synthétiser leur compréhension de la navigation des patients en contexte canadien afin d'élaborer un énoncé de position national sur la NPC. Dans le présent article, nous analyserons l'historique de l'élaboration de l'énoncé de position sur la NPC que publiera prochainement l'Association canadienne des infirmières en oncologie (ACIO/CANO). Nous analyserons également les commentaires des participants aux ateliers tenus dans le cadre des congrès de 2016, 2017 et 2018, de même que les comptes rendus des réunions du groupe de travail national qui ont eu lieu pendant cette même période. Le présent article se veut un sommaire historique concis de l'évolution de la NPC au Canada, ainsi qu'un modèle pour les autres groupes aspirant à rédiger un énoncé de position consensuel.

Patient information, communication and competence empowerment in oncology (PIKKO) - evaluation of a supportive care intervention for overall oncological patients. Study protocol of a non-randomized controlled trial

Background

Cancer patients have to undergo a difficult medical therapy and are also confronted with various psychological, social and economic problems. Support is available from many providers, but patients often gain no access to it. Accordingly, there is a need for a single point of contact that can provide advice, information and assistance. In the state of Saarland, Germany, a supportive new consulting and information path (PIKKO) for all types of cancer is currently evaluated by the German Cancer Society, the Cancer Society of the Saarland, three statutory health insurances and the Jena University Hospital. PIKKO is designed to improve quality of life, self-efficacy, health literacy and patient satisfaction and to reduce psychological distress, related health care costs and the days of inability to work. This methodical work presents the process and analysis planning of this evaluation.

Methods

The study population includes all cancer types, both new and existing diseases. PIKKO (with patient navigator, oncological knowledge database, specialized oncological counseling) is evaluated within a controlled, non-randomized, comparative, multicenter, longitudinal design. In addition to patient surveys, data from statutory health insurances and utilization data from the web database are collected, and interviews with patient navigators and doctors are carried out. Patients are assigned to a control (usual care) or an intervention group (u. c. + PIKKO). Primary outcome is the health related quality of life (SF-12) six months after baseline. Secondary outcomes are self-efficacy (GSE), psychological distress such as depression (PHQ-9) or anxiety (GAD-7), health literacy (HLS-EU-Q47) and patient satisfaction in health care (Qualiskope-A). Furthermore, the time course of direct costs of medical care (e.g. work disability days) and usage data of the intervention modules are analyzed. Among other statistical procedures, we use t-tests, univariate tests and growth curve models.

Discussion

If PIKKO proves to be effective, recommendations can be made to health organizations, which should lead to the concept being rolled out throughout Germany and included into oncological guidelines. We expect PIKKO to be a useful addition to usual cancer care, helping to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and reduce healthcare costs.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trial Register under DRKS00016703 (21.02.2019, the reason for the delay was the prioritization of the study management in the first year to establish the new approach into practice). https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00016703

Why do delays to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer occur? A mixed methods study of insights from Australian clinicians

AIMS

Delays in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can impact survival. We explored reasons for delays experienced by patients with lung cancer to identify themes and strategies for improvement.

METHODS

We used national timeframe recommendations and standardized definitions to identify General Practitioners and specialists caring for 34 patients who experienced delays in our previous Medicare data linkage study. Clinicians participated in a survey and interview, including qualitative (exploratory, open-ended questions) and quantitative (rating scales) components. Exploratory content analysis, cross-case triangulation, and descriptive statistics were performed. Krippendorff's coefficient was used to assess level of agreement between clinicians and patients, and among clinicians, on perceived delays.

RESULTS

Overall, 27 out of 50 (54%) eligible clinicians participated (including 11 respiratory physicians and seven medical oncologists). Dominant themes for perceived causes of delay included referral barriers, limited General Practitioner (GP) awareness of subtle clinical presentations, insufficient radiology interpretation, and lack of cancer coordinators. "Unavoidable" delays may occur due to clinical circumstances. Awareness and uptake of referral and timeframe guidelines were low, with clinicians using professional networks over guidelines. There was no consistent agreement on perceived delays between patients and clinicians, and among clinicians (Krippendorff's coefficient .03 [P = .8]).

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies for minimizing avoidable delays include efficient GP to specialist referral and more lung cancer coordinators to assist with patient expectations and waitlist management. Clinicians' reliance on experience, rather than guidelines, indicates need to review guideline utility. Raising awareness of benchmarks and unavoidable barriers may recalibrate perceptions of "delays" to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Development of a national position statement on cancer patient navigation in Canada

As the landscape of cancer care in Canada evolves, oncology nursing roles are developed to enhance the patient experience and address the changing needs of patients and families. Cancer Patient Navigation (CPN), an oncology nursing role focusing primarily on person-centred care coordination and system navigation, has become integral to providing high-quality cancer care in many Canadian jurisdictions. Since 2016, a national group of oncology nursing leaders have been engaged in convening and catalyzing our understanding of the role of patient navigation in the Canadian cancer context with the purpose of developing a national position statement on CPN. In this paper, we provide a historical analysis of the development of the forthcoming Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) position statement on CPN. We present an analysis of participant feedback from workshops at the 2016, 2017, and 2018 conferences, and meeting minutes from the National working group over this same time period. This paper serves as a concise historical summary of the evolution of CPN in Canada while providing a template for other groups looking to develop a consensus-based position statement.

Assessing the effect of patient navigator assistance for psychosocial support services on health-related quality of life in a randomized clinical trial in Latino breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

After a diagnosis of prostate, breast, or colorectal cancer, Latinos experience higher mortality rates and lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in comparison with other ethnic/racial groups. Patient navigation (PN) and lay community health workers or promotores are effective in increasing cancer screening and early-stage diagnosis among Latinos. However, little is known about the effect of PN on HRQOL among Latino cancer survivors.

METHODS

Latinos previously diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer (n = 288) were randomized to 1 of 2 conditions: 1) the Patient Navigator LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Services (PN-LCNS) survivor care program or 2) PN only. HRQOL was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General, and cancer-specific HRQOL was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors, respectively, at the baseline and at 3 follow-up time points. Generalized estimating equation analyses were conducted to estimate the effect of condition on HRQOL with adjustments for covariates and baseline HRQOL.

RESULTS

PN-LCNS demonstrated a significant improvement in HRQOL in comparison with PN only for colorectal cancer survivors but not for breast and prostate cancer survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced PN improves HRQOL among Latino colorectal cancer survivors. Future research should identify the best strategies for engaging Latino survivors in PN programs. PN programs should also be adapted to address HRQOL concerns among Latina breast cancer survivors.

Association of Treatment Delays With Survival for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review

Importance

Delays in the delivery of care for head and neck cancer (HNC) are a key driver of poor oncologic outcomes and thus represent an important therapeutic target.

Objective

To synthesize information about the association between delays in the delivery of care for HNC and oncologic outcomes.

Evidence Review

A systematic review of the English-language literature in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus published between January 1, 2007, and February 28, 2018, was performed to identify articles addressing the association between treatment delays and oncologic outcomes for patients with HNC. Articles that were included (1) addressed cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx; (2) discussed patients treated in 2004 or later; (3) analyzed time of diagnosis to treatment initiation (DTI), time from surgery to the initiation of postoperative radiotherapy, and/or treatment package time (TPT; the time from surgery through the completion of postoperative radiotherapy); (4) included a clear definition of treatment delay; and (5) analyzed the association between the treatment time interval and an oncologic outcome measure. Quality assessment was performed using the Institute of Health Economics Quality Appraisal Checklist for Case Series Studies.

Findings

A total of 18 studies met inclusion criteria and formed the basis of the systematic review. Nine studies used the National Cancer Database and 6 studies were single-institution retrospective reviews. Of the 13 studies assessing DTI, 9 found an association between longer DTI and poorer overall survival; proposed DTI delay thresholds ranged from more than 20 days to 120 days or more. Four of the 5 studies assessing time from surgery to the initiation of postoperative radiotherapy (and all 4 studies assessing guideline-adherent time to postoperative radiotherapy) found an association between a timely progression from surgery to the initiation of postoperative radiotherapy and improved overall or recurrence-free survival. Of the 5 studies examining TPT, 4 found that prolonged TPT correlated with poorer overall survival; proposed thresholds for prolonged TPT ranged from 77 days or more to more than 100 days.

Conclusions and Relevance

Timely care regarding initiation of treatment, postoperative radiotherapy, and TPT is associated with survival for patients with HNC, although significant heterogeneity exists for defining delayed DTI and TPT. Further research is required to standardize optimal time goals, identify barriers to timely care for each interval, and design interventions to minimize delays.

L'infirmière pivot associée à une expérience de soins oncologiques positive et à une satisfaction accrue des patients

Contexte et objectifs

Un nombre croissant de résultats probants indique que l'infirmière pivot en oncologie (IPO) joue un rôle de premier plan dans l'optimisation des processus et des résultats de soins. Il faudra toutefois mener des études d'envergure pour comparer les perceptions de l'expérience de soins liés au cancer des patients traités par des infirmières pivots et de ceux qui n'ont pas bénéficié de ce type de suivi.

Méthodologie

Des participants (N = 2 858) traités au cours des six derniers mois dans un centre de traitement du cancer situé à Montréal, au Québec, et affilié à une université ont répondu au sondage sur la satisfaction des patients en traitement anticancéreux ambulatoire, c'est-à-dire le Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS).

Résultats

L'expérience des soins oncologiques était significativement plus positives et la satisfaction plus élevée dans le groupe suivi par une infirmière pivot (n = 2 003) pour les six domaines de soins (différences moyennes de 3,32 à 8,95) et les quatre fonctions infirmières (différences moyennes de 5,64 à 10,39), comparativement au groupe sans IPO (n = 855).

Discussion

L'infirmière pivot joue un rôle important dans l'amélioration de l'expérience de soins et la satisfaction des patients. Les recherches futures devront explorer les potentielles relations de cause à effet entre les infirmières pivots, les processus de soins et les résultats des patients.

The nurse pivot-navigator associated with more positive cancer care experiences and higher patient satisfaction

Background and objectives

Growing evidence indicates that the nurse navigator-pivot (NN), is key to optimizing care processes and outcomes. However, large scale studies are needed to examine how patients exposed to NNs (as opposed to non-NN) differentially perceived their cancer care experiences.

Method

Participants (N = 2,858) treated for cancer in the last six months at university-affiliated cancer centres in Montréal, Québec, completed the Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS).

Results

Cancer care experiences and satisfaction were significantly higher in the NN group (n = 2,003) for all six care domains (Ds from 3.32 to 8.95) and all four nursing functions (Ds from 5.64 to 10.39) when compared to the non-NN group (n = 855).

Discussion

The NN role is significantly related to enhanced cancer care experiences and higher patient satisfaction. Future research should explore potential causal effects between NNs and care processes, as well as patient outcomes.

A core competency framework for prostate cancer peer navigation

PURPOSE

Trained peer navigators can offer valuable peer support and mentorship to cancer patients and caregivers due to their highly relevant and unique perspective about the disease experience. In order to define the role of prostate cancer (PC) peer navigators within the cancer care system, it is important to establish the essential competencies of a PC peer navigator. We systematically identified and verified a set of core competencies for PC peer navigators and present a competency framework for PC peer navigators.

METHODS

In phase 1, we conducted formative research consisting of a literature review and environmental scan as well as a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews. In phase 2, we drafted and mapped competencies. Finally in phase 3, expert stakeholders completed an anonymous survey to indicate whether they endorsed the competencies and to rank the importance of each competency to the peer navigator role. Open-ended feedback was also provided for each competency.

RESULTS

Six core competency domains emerged: (1) self as navigator, (2) communication, (3) knowledge/information, (4) facilitate patient-centred care, (5) eHealth/technology, and (6) caregiver needs. Forty-seven core competency statements were mapped to these domains. Expert stakeholders (n = 27) included cancer survivors, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Most (89%) of core competency statements were endorsed by stakeholders and received high priority ratings, whereas only five of the competencies were less uniformly endorsed.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first attempt to list core competencies for PC peer navigators and may offer guidance for standardizing the PC peer navigator role and training.

Healthcare utilization of breast cancer patients following telephone-based consultations of oncology nurse navigator via telemedical care

Objectives

To characterize breast cancer patients who received telephone-based consultations of oncology nurse navigator via telemedical care (TMC patients) and analyze their healthcare utilization (HCU) one year before and after receiving this service.

Methods

A retrospective study among Maccabi Healthcare Services enrollees that were newly diagnosed during 2016 (n = 1035). HCU, demographic characteristics and comorbidities were obtained from computerized database. Multivariable ordered logit model was specified for the determinants of HCU by quarters. Independent variables included: annual number of telephone-based consultations, gap between diagnosis and first consultation, age, socio-economic status, eligibility for disability and income security benefits, and comorbidities.

Results

Twenty-two percent of our cohort were TMC patients. Compared to others, these patients were younger and had a lower prevalence of hypertension. A higher proportion of these patients received disability benefits, and a lower proportion received income security benefits. The total average annual HCU of TMC patients (n = 107) before first consultation was $8857 and increased to $44130 in the first year following it (p<0.001), predominantly due to a significant increase in outpatient visits ($20380 vs. $3502, p<0.001) and medication costs ($19339 vs. $1758, p<0.001). The multivariable model revealed that each additional telephone-based consultation decreased the likelihood to be in the lowest quarter of the HCU distribution by 1.1 percentage points (p = 0.015), and increased the likelihood to be in the upper quarter of the HCU distribution by 1.1 percentage points (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

There was a significant increase in outpatient care and medications usage following first consultation. Moreover, a more intense use of this service was associated with elevated HCU. This result may stem from the proactive nature of the telemedical care.

Développement d’un consensus professionnel face aux interventions de l’infirmière pivot en oncologie en vue de soutenir la planification des effectifs au Québec

Au Québec, près de 250 infirmières pivot en oncologie (IPO) sont déployées au Québec pour soutenir les personnes atteintes d’un cancer. Il devient toutefois de plus en plus évident que ce nombre est insuffisant. Une étude a été menée afin d’estimer les besoins en IPO pour la province. L’établissement d’un consensus professionnel par la technique du groupe nominal et la méthode Delphi ont été utilisés pour atteindre cet objectif. Les données obtenues permettent de baser les décisions de planification des effectifs sur des évidences mesurées dans la réalité du travail actuel des IPO. Ainsi, il est espéré que celles-ci contribueront à une meilleure planification des effectifs pour répondre aux besoins de personnes atteintes de cancer et leurs proches.

Multidisciplinary Team Planning for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

The multidisciplinary team planning conference is critical in the evaluation and management of patients with head and neck cancer. The management is complex and dictates the care of a multidisciplinary team for optimal results. First, the head and neck multidisciplinary team ensures the complete evaluation of patients before beginning treatment. Second, the team improves the accuracy of diagnosis and staging on which to base the most appropriate treatment. Third, the team improves the outcomes of treatment by appealing to the best available evidence, by following clinical practice guidelines and treatment algorithms, and by engaging in clinical research trials.

Patient-reported care domains that enhance the experience of "being known" in an ambulatory cancer care centre

Purpose

This study explored patients' perceptions of "being known" in an ambulatory chemotherapy unit.

Methods

Using a qualitative descriptive design, 10 participants with various cancer diagnoses were recruited from a large cancer centre in Montreal, Quebec. Audiotaped individual interviews were transcribed verbatim. Textual data were coded and analyzed thematically.

Findings

Participants spoke of their need to have the staff approach them as individuals first and then as persons with cancer. They further underscored the importance of: (1) feeling truly welcome in the cancer care environment, (2) being provided with person- and situation-responsive care, and (3) considering occupational and social roles that go beyond the "sick role". Mutual patient-nurse disclosure also contributed to perceptions of a personalized care approach.

Implications for nursing

In addition to key elements construed as crucial for enhancing perceptions of being known, future studies should further document how the interplay among demographic, physical/psychological, and cultural factors affect these perceptions.

Comparing enrolees with non-enrolees of cancer-patient navigation at end of life

Background

Cancer-patient navigators who are oncology nurses support and connect patients to resources throughout the cancer care trajectory, including end of life. Although qualitative and cohort studies of navigated patients have been reported, no population-based studies were found. The present population-based study compared demographic, disease, and outcome characteristics for decedents who had been diagnosed with cancer by whether they did or did not see a navigator.

Methods

This retrospective study used patient-based administrative data in Nova Scotia (cancer registry, death certificates, navigation visits) to generate descriptive statistics. The study population included all adults diagnosed with cancer who died during 2011-2014 of a cancer or non-cancer cause of death.

Results

Of the 7694 study decedents, 74.9% had died of cancer. Of those individuals, 40% had seen a navigator at some point in their disease trajectory. The comparable percentage for those who did not die of cancer was 11.9%. Decedents at the oldest ages had the lowest navigation rates. Navigation rates, time from diagnosis to death, and time from last navigation visit to death varied by disease site.

Conclusions

This population-based study of cancer-patient navigation enrolees compared with non-enrolees is the first of its kind. Most findings were consistent with expectations. However, we do not know whether the rates of navigation are consistent with the navigation needs of the population diagnosed with cancer. Because more people are living longer with cancer and because the population is aging, ongoing surveillance of who requires and who is using navigation services is warranted.

How family caregivers help older relatives navigate statutory services at the end of life: A descriptive qualitative study

Background:

A key challenge in meeting the palliative care needs of people in advanced age is the multiple healthcare and social service agencies typically involved in their care. The ‘patient navigator’ model, originally developed in cancer care, is the professional solution most often recommended to address this challenge. However, little attention has been paid, or is known, about the role that family carers play in enabling their dying relatives to negotiate service gaps.

Aim:

To explore the role family caregivers play in helping people dying in advanced old age navigate health services at the end of life.

Design:

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and analysed via thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

A total of 58 interviews were conducted in New Zealand with the family caregivers of 52 deceased older relatives who had been participants in Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study in New Zealand.

Results:

Fragmentation of services was the key concern, causing distress both for the older person and their family caregivers. Carers identified and engaged with appropriate services in order to facilitate care and treatment. Their involvement was not always met by healthcare professionals with respect or regard to their knowledge of the older person’s needs.

Conclusion:

Family caregivers are trying to help their older relatives overcome the limitations of fragmented health systems at the end of life. They are doing so at times by stepping in to perform patient navigator tasks usually conceptualised as a role for statutory services to carry out. Programmes and services need to be implemented that will better support family carers who are acting as care navigators.

Effectiveness of a patient navigator on patient satisfaction in adult patients in an ambulatory care setting: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

One approach to overcoming healthcare system barriers and facilitating timely access to quality care and patient satisfaction is with a patient navigator. A patient navigator is a trained person who individually assists patients, families and caregivers navigate the healthcare system barriers efficiently and effectively at any point along the care continuum, improving patient care at all levels of an organization.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of a patient navigator on patient satisfaction in adult patients 18 years and older in ambulatory care settings.

INCLUSION CRITERIA TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS

This review considered studies that involved adults of any ethnicity, race or gender, aged 18 years or older, regardless of diagnoses, stage of illness, whether the illness is acute or chronic or previous treatment, who had been receiving care in an ambulatory care setting.

TYPES OF INTERVENTION(S)/PHENOMENA OF INTEREST

This review considered studies on the use of a patient navigator as an additional intervention to usual care for promoting patient satisfaction for adult patients in an ambulatory care setting. Usual care without a patient navigator was considered as a comparator.

TYPES OF STUDIES

This review considered experimental and observational studies.

OUTCOMES

The outcome considered was patient satisfaction.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The literature search included published and unpublished studies in the English Language from 1990 through July 2015. A search of PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Social Work Abstracts and Web of Science was conducted. A search for gray literature and electronic hand searching of relevant journals was also performed.

METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY

Two reviewers independently evaluated the included studies for methodological quality utilizing standardized critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

DATA EXTRACTION

Standardized data extraction tools from Joanna Briggs Institute were used by two independent reviewers for data extraction.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A statistical meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity between the included studies. Results are presented in a narrative form.

RESULTS

Four studies were included in this review, two were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one was a quasi-experimental pre-post-test design study and one was a cohort study. The four studies showed that a patient navigator had clinical benefit for patient satisfaction, care coordination and patient access to timely healthcare services. One RCT reported a mean satisfaction score of 4.3 for navigated patients and 2.9 for non-navigated patients; P < 0.001. A second RCT showed an odds ratio 1.29; 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.82 for navigated versus non-navigated patients. The quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test study showed navigated patient satisfaction with a mean = 11.45 (standard deviation [SD], 3.69) in comparison with the non-navigated patient (mean, 14.95; SD, 1.69) (F = 11.85; P = 0.000). The cohort study demonstrated a mean satisfaction score of 90.7 for navigated patients and 85.5 for non-navigated patients; P = 0.03. The four studies showed no clinically significant results; however, the patient navigator role may promote relationships among the healthcare team, reducing barriers for patient-centered care and enhanced patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

There is a paucity of evidence on the effectiveness of a patient navigator on patient satisfaction. In the four studies selected for inclusion, a patient navigator had a positive effect on patient satisfaction, although none of the studies demonstrated statistical significance with a patient navigator on patient satisfaction. The effect of a patient navigator remains questionable with differences in perceptions on the best individual for the role and the expected role perception and performance. A standardized approach to the role of the patient navigator may maximize health outcomes and positively affect the quality of life for all patients.

Effects of patient navigation on satisfaction with cancer care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Patient navigation (PN) is a model of healthcare coordination designed to reduce barriers to achieving optimal health outcomes. Systematic reviews evaluating whether PN is associated with higher patient satisfaction with cancer care are lacking.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to synthesize evidence of comparative studies evaluating the effectiveness of PN programs to improve satisfaction with cancer-related care. We included studies reported in English that: (1) evaluated a PN intervention designed to increase satisfaction with cancer care; and (2) involved a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or non-RCT approach. Standardized forms were used to abstract data from studies. These data were evaluated for methodological quality, summarized qualitatively, and synthesized under a random effects model.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 831 citations. Nine met inclusion criteria. Five had adequate data (1 RCT and 4 non-RCTs) to include in the meta-analysis. Methodological quality of included studies ranged from weak to strong, with half rated as weak. Findings of the RCTs showed a statistically significant increase in satisfaction with cancer care involving PN (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 2.30; 95% confidence interval 1.79, 2.80, p < 0.001). Pooled results from non-RCTs showed no significant association between PN and satisfaction with cancer-related care (standardized mean difference = 0.39; 95% confidence interval - 0.02, 0.80, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Although PN has been widely implemented to improve cancer care, high-quality studies are needed to characterize the relationship between PN and satisfaction with cancer-related care.

National disparities in treatment package time for resected locally advanced head and neck cancer and impact on overall survival

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine national disparities in head and neck cancer treatment package time (the time interval from surgery through the completion of radiation) and the associated impact on survival.

METHODS

We conducted an observational cohort study using the National Cancer Database of 15 234 patients with resected head and neck cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy from 2004-2012. Predictors of prolonged package time were identified by multivariable linear regression. Survival outcomes were assessed using a multivariable Cox model.

RESULTS

Mean package time was 100 days (SD 23). Package time was 7.52 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.23-8.81; P < .001) longer with Medicaid versus commercial insurance. Low income and African American race also predicted for longer package times. All-cause mortality increased an average of 4% with each 1 week increase in treatment package time (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04; 95% CI 1.03-1.05; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Significant national socioeconomic disparities exist in treatment package time. Treatment delays in this setting may contribute to worse survival outcomes.

Satisfaction With Health Care Among Patients Navigated for Preventive Cancer Screening

Background:

Patient navigation (PN) programs can improve cancer screening in underserved populations. PN may advance quality and equity of care by supporting individuals at increased risk of not receiving recommended care.

Objective:

To evaluate patient satisfaction with medical care and PN for cancer screening.

Methods:

We conducted a telephone survey of patients enrolled in a randomized control trial evaluating the impact of PN for cancer screening to assess their satisfaction with overall medical care and the PN program. We measured patient satisfaction with medical care using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 and evaluated patient satisfaction with PN in the navigated group using the Patient Satisfaction with Interpersonal Relationships with Navigator questionnaire.

Key Results:

Satisfaction surveys were completed by 114 navigated and 108 non-navigated patients (33% response rate). Patients who received PN had higher satisfaction scores with overall medical care (71.0 vs 66.8; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Our findings show that patients at high risk of nonadherence with comprehensive cancer screening were satisfied with PN and suggest that PN could positively influence patient satisfaction with overall medical care.

It Takes a Village: The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care

This article explores the evolving world of cancer care that requires increasing collaboration and is focused on value, quality, and efficiency, while placing the utmost importance on patient autonomy and individualized care plans. The expanding membership of the multidisciplinary team and the role of integrated patient care units are reviewed in the context of care for the patient with head and neck cancer.

The "rocky treatment course": identifying a high-risk subgroup of head and neck cancer patients for supportive interventions

PURPOSE

We aim to identify the risk factors for a "rocky" treatment course (RTC) in head and neck cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted utilizing data from a prospective study. We defined the RTC as a composite of adverse outcomes including G-tube dependence and increased nursing interventions. Statistically associative variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression. We also evaluated whether the RTC, or its components, associated with worse cancer outcomes.

RESULTS

Being single, unemployed, having N2/3 disease and receiving chemoradiotherapy were associated with a RTC. In turn, G-tube dependence was associated with worse 3-year OS (73 vs 91 %; p = 0.02) and increased nursing interventions with worse 3-year locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (85 vs 92 %; p = 0.03) and locoregional recurrence (LRR) (14 vs 7 %; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified baseline factors associated with a RTC for head and neck cancer patients. Future supportive care interventions could be evaluated using the RTC as a marker of benefit.

"Little Big Things": A Qualitative Study of Ovarian Cancer Survivors and Their Experiences With the Health Care System

PURPOSE

Navigation of a complex and ever-changing health care system can be stressful and detrimental to psychosocial well-being for patients with serious illness. This study explored women's experiences with navigating the health care system during treatment for ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Focus groups moderated by trained investigators were conducted with ovarian cancer survivors at an academic cancer center. Personal experiences with cancer treatment, provider relationships, barriers to care, and the health care system were explored. Sessions were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded by using grounded theory. Subsequently, one-on-one interviews were conducted to further evaluate common themes.

RESULTS

Sixteen ovarian cancer survivors with a median age of 59 years participated in the focus group study. Provider consistency, personal touch, and patient advocacy positively affected the care experience. Treatment with a known provider who was well acquainted with the individual's medical history was deemed an invaluable aspect of care. Negative experiences that burdened patients, referred to as the "little big things," included systems-based challenges, which were scheduling, wait times, pharmacy, transportation, parking, financial, insurance, and discharge. Consistency, a care team approach, effective communication, and efficient connection to resources were suggested as ways to improve patients' experiences.

CONCLUSION

Systems-based challenges were perceived as burdens to ovarian cancer survivors at our institution. The role of a consistent, accessible care team and efficient delivery of resources in the care of women with ovarian cancer should be explored further.

Navigation programs, are they helpful for perioperative care with thyroid cancer patients?

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a navigation program for patients with thyroid cancer. The navigation program was developed following an analysis of the unmet needs of patients who underwent surgery for thyroid cancer. Ninety-nine patients in the control group received usual care, and 95 in the navigation group were managed with a navigation program during the perioperative period. The effectiveness of the navigation program was assessed by administering a questionnaire to both groups. Overall satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the navigation than in the control group (p = .025), as were satisfaction scores on the continuity of information (p < .001), the continuity of management (p = .002), the continuity of relationships with healthcare providers (p<.001), and patient empowerment (p < .001). The newly developed navigation program for patients with thyroid cancer was effective in raising satisfaction levels and in actively managing the disease during the perioperative period.

Developing a Provincial Cancer Patient Navigation Program Utilizing a Quality Improvement Approach. Part Three: Evaluation and Outcomes

In 2012, the provincial cancer agency in Alberta initiated a provincial quality improvement (QI) project to develop, implement, and evaluate a provincial Cancer Patient Navigation (CPN) program spanning 15 sites across over 600,000 square kilometres. This project was selected for two years of funding (April 2012-March 2014) by the Alberta Cancer Foundation (ACF) through an Enhanced Care Grant process (ACF, 2015). A series of articles has been created to capture the essence of this quality improvement (QI) project, the processes that were undertaken, the standards developed, the education framework that guided the orientation of new navigator staff, and the outcomes that were measured. The first article in this series focused on establishing the knowledge base that guided the development of this provincial navigation program and described the methodology undertaken to implement the program across 15 rural and isolated urban cancer care delivery sites. The second article delved into the education framework that was developed to guide the competency development and orientation process for the registered nurses who were hired into cancer patient navigator roles and how this framework evolved to support navigators from novices to experts. This third and final article explores the evaluation approach used and outcomes achieved through this QI project, culminating with a discussion section, which highlights key learnings, and subsequent steps that have been taken to broaden the scope and impact of the provincial navigation program.

The experiences of head and neck cancer patients requiring major surgery

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of head and neck cancers is lower (3.5% of total cancers in Australia) than for a number of other cancers. Treatment for head and neck cancer is often drastic and debilitating and patient outcomes are poorer.

OBJECTIVE

This qualitative study explored the experiences of cancer patients who underwent surgery for head and neck cancer.

METHODS

In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 patients 7 to 26 months after surgery. Interviews were thematically analyzed to produce a rich description of patients' experiences from diagnosis through surgery and beyond.

RESULTS

Critical aspects of patients' experiences are described through the following themes: only having half the story, shocks and aftershocks, living with the aftermath, and being supported. Participants identified difficulties arising from receiving insufficient, confusing, and often untimely information. The persistent and traumatic nature of what patients endure challenges their physical, mental, and emotional coping capacity and, in some cases, their motivation to live.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to address gaps in support and education of patients and carers. Of particular concern is the problem related to information provision and comprehension. Critical examination of current practices, together with efforts toward coordinated care tailored to individual needs, is required, along with outreach services for patients in rural areas.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The development and evaluation of targeted resources in a variety of forms such as DVD, Internet, and pamphlets are needed. Robust assessment strategies are required to inform supportive interventions matched to stages and significant events in patients' journeys.

The unannounced patient in the corridor: trust, friction and person-centered care

In this study, a Swedish cancer clinic was studied where three to four unscheduled patients sought support from the hospital on a daily basis for pain and nutrition problems. The clinic was neither staffed nor had a budget to handle such return visits. In order to offer the patients a better service and decrease the workload of the staff in addition to their everyday activities, a multidisciplinary team was established to address the unscheduled return visits. The team was supposed to involve the patient, build trust, decrease the friction, and contribute to a successful rehabilitation process. Data were collected from the patients and the staff. Patients who encountered the team (intervention) and patients who encountered the regular ad hoc type of organization (control) answered a questionnaire measuring trust and friction. Nurses in the control group spent 35% of their full-time employment, and the intervention group staffed with nurses spent 30% of their full-time employment in addressing the needs of these return patients. The patients perceived that trust between them and the staff was high. In summary, it was measured as being 4.48 [standard deviation (SD) = 0.82] in the intervention group and 4.41 (SD = 0.79) in the control group using the 5-point Likert scale. The data indicate that using a multidisciplinary team is a promising way to handle the problems of unannounced visits from patients. Having a team made it cost effective for the clinic and provided a better service than the traditional ad hoc organization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cancer care coordinators in stage III colon cancer: a cost-utility analysis

BACKGROUND

There is momentum internationally to improve coordination of complex care pathways. Robust evaluations of such interventions are scarce. This paper evaluates the cost-utility of cancer care coordinators for stage III colon cancer patients, who generally require surgery followed by chemotherapy.

METHODS

We compared a hospital-based nurse cancer care coordinator (CCC) with 'business-as-usual' (no dedicated coordination service) in stage III colon cancer patients in New Zealand. A discrete event microsimulation model was constructed to estimate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs from a health system perspective. We used New Zealand data on colon cancer incidence, survival, and mortality as baseline input parameters for the model. We specified intervention input parameters using available literature and expert estimates. For example, that a CCC would improve the coverage of chemotherapy by 33% (ranging from 9 to 65%), reduce the time to surgery by 20% (3 to 48%), reduce the time to chemotherapy by 20% (3 to 48%), and reduce patient anxiety (reduction in disability weight of 33%, ranging from 0 to 55%).

RESULTS

Much of the direct cost of a nurse CCC was balanced by savings in business-as-usual care coordination. Much of the health gain was through increased coverage of chemotherapy with a CCC (especially older patients), and reduced time to chemotherapy. Compared to 'business-as-usual', the cost per QALY of the CCC programme was $NZ 18,900 (≈ $US 15,600; 95% UI: $NZ 13,400 to 24,600). By age, the CCC intervention was more cost-effective for colon cancer patients < 65 years ($NZ 9,400 per QALY). By ethnicity, the health gains were larger for Māori, but so too were the costs, meaning the cost-effectiveness was roughly comparable between ethnic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Such a nurse-led CCC intervention in New Zealand has acceptable cost-effectiveness for stage III colon cancer, meaning it probably merits funding. Each CCC programme will differ in its likely health gains and costs, making generalisation from this evaluation to other CCC interventions difficult. However, this evaluation suggests that CCC interventions that increase coverage of, and reduce time to, effective treatments may be cost-effective.