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

Stakeholder perspectives on six identified interpersonal communication components of patient navigation in breast cancer care

PURPOSE

Although identified as a key competency domain and a needed area of professional development, interpersonal communication in breast cancer care patient navigation is understudied. Moreover, the patient-navigator relationship may be influenced by the interpersonal communication skills and behaviors of the patient navigator. This paper reports on the interpretation step of a concept mapping study, where key stakeholders shared their perspectives on six identified interpersonal communication components of breast cancer care patient navigation.

METHODS

This study utilized concept mapping, a community-engaged mixed method approach. After conducting brainstorming, sorting, and concept mapping analysis, a six-cluster concept map of interpersonal communication in breast cancer care patient navigation was identified. Interpretation sessions with each participant group (patients, patient navigators, administrators) allowed both naming and more in-depth exploration of the six clusters. The sessions were led by a facilitator, the PI, and were audio recorded and transcribed.

RESULTS

Six 2-h interpretation sessions were conducted with 21 participants, including patients with breast cancer, breast cancer patient navigators (lay or medically trained), and patient navigation administrators from Western Pennsylvania. Through a group consensus process, the six clusters were named. Participants identified that all six identified components were essential to patient navigation, but the ability to build patient-centered trust and relationships and maintain professional communication were the most impactful components of the patient-navigator relationship.

CONCLUSION

These findings validate the importance of interpersonal skills and behaviors of patient navigators in breast cancer care. These findings can inform the patient navigation role description, competencies, and the development of curriculum for training and metrics for evaluation.

Models and frameworks that enable nurses to develop their public health practice-A scoping study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This scoping review commissioned by the Public Health England, WHO collaborating Centre, aimed to explore the models and frameworks which enable nurses to develop their public health practice and deliver public health interventions to individuals, families and communities.

BACKGROUND

There is a plethora of literature regarding the role, activities and scope of practice undertaken by public health nurses across the world. However, only two reviews have explored the models and frameworks used for public health nursing practice.

DESIGN

The study drew upon an established framework with a narrative review drawing upon five methodological steps.

METHODS

A search of databases, Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINHAL and British Nursing Index, was undertaken. The search took place between April 2018 and June 2018 retrieving 9,513 peer-reviewed articles published from 2008.

RESULTS

Ninety-five studies were retrieved and analysed thematically. From an initial review of literature, two themes were identified: public health models used in practice and models used in public health education. Within the first theme, three subthemes were emerged: Characteristics of the interventions; Characteristics of the public health nurse; and Lack of measurable health benefits. Within the second theme, three subthemes were identified: Faculty and Students Working Together; The Experiential Academic Approach, and What works in Educating Nurses for Public Health.

CONCLUSION

The review identified that many models and frameworks are used in practice. However, within public health practice there is a limited evidence base and it fails to demonstrate that the frameworks and models developed for practice result in measurable health benefits on an individual or population level. However, within education innovative models were apparent with collaborative partnerships enabling preregistration nursing students to develop public health nursing competencies.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Innovative approaches to education of preregistration nursing students could point the way forward for the delivery of public health nursing practice.

Implementing active care through (cultural) activities of daily living: A person-centred approach to achieve flourishing

AIM

To investigate how participants in the Active Care education programme experienced using their obtained knowledge in practice.

DESIGN

A narrative inquiry as described by Clandinin and Connelly.

METHOD

A thematic analysis of 20 narratives written by participants in the education programme from 2015-2017.

RESULTS

Three themes appeared to be dominant: the consequences of activity, relationships and positive emotions. These elements reflect the notion of flourishing.

Exploring nurse navigators' contribution to integrated care: a qualitative study

This paper examines nurse navigation as a model of integrated care operating across primary and secondary healthcare settings. A two-phase qualitative study involving a focus group with seven nurse navigators (NNs) to explore their understandings and perceptions of the role, followed by in-depth interviews with three NNs to examine current practice, was undertaken in Queensland, Australia. NNs’ role spanned a continuum of patient and population care, and involved engagement in clinical integration, coordinating patient care and providing education and points-of-contact for healthcare professionals. NNs also engaged in professional integration, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, education and connections between healthcare professionals, while promoting integrated care across care settings. NNs were enabled through the establishment of relationships, trust and shared communication between stakeholders. NNs’ work transcended traditional clinical boundaries, operating horizontally across silos and specialties, which allowed them to avoid (some) system shortfalls. By contributing to a culture of integration, NNs can potentially support more sustainable integrated care practices that extend relationships between healthcare professionals and beyond individual patients. Increasing our understanding of nurse navigation as a model of integrated care, this study illustrates the complexity, diversity and breadth of the role and its ability to contribute to broader, system-wide integration.