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Ver Hoeve ES, Calhoun E, Hernandez M, High E, Armin JS, Ali-Akbarian L, Frithsen M, Andrews W, Hamann HA. Evaluating implementation of a community-focused patient navigation intervention at an NCI-designated cancer center using RE-AIM. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:550. [PMID: 38685006 PMCID: PMC11059763 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10919-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient navigation is an evidence-based intervention that reduces cancer health disparities by directly addressing the barriers to care for underserved patients with cancer. Variability in design and integration of patient navigation programs within cancer care settings has limited this intervention's utility. The implementation science evaluation framework, RE-AIM, allows quantitative and qualitative examination of effective implementation of patient navigation programs into cancer care settings. METHODS The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to evaluate implementation of a community-focused patient navigation intervention at an NCI-designated cancer center between June 2018 and October 2021. Using a 3-month longitudinal, non-comparative measurement period, univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to examine associations between participant-level demographics and primary (i.e., barrier reduction) and secondary (i.e., patient-reported outcomes) effectiveness outcomes. Mixed methods analyses were used to examine adoption and delivery of the intervention into the cancer center setting. Process-level analyses were used to evaluate maintenance of the intervention. RESULTS Participants (n = 311) represented a largely underserved population, as defined by the National Cancer Institute, with the majority identifying as Hispanic/Latino, having a household income of $35,000 or less, and being enrolled in Medicaid. Participants were diagnosed with a variety of cancer types and most had advanced staged cancers. Pre-post-intervention analyses indicated significant reduction from pre-intervention assessments in the average number of reported barriers, F(1, 207) = 117.62, p < .001, as well as significant increases in patient-reported physical health, t(205) = - 6.004, p < .001, mental health, t(205) = - 3.810, p < .001, self-efficacy, t(205) = - 5.321, p < .001, and satisfaction with medical team communication, t(206) = - 2.03, p = .029. Referral patterns and qualitative data supported increased adoption and integration of the intervention into the target setting, and consistent intervention delivery metrics suggested high fidelity to intervention delivery over time. Process-level data outlined a successful transition from a grant-funded community-focused patient navigation intervention to an institution-funded program. CONCLUSIONS This study utilized the implementation science evaluation framework, RE-AIM, to evaluate implementation of a community-focused patient navigation program. Our analyses indicate successful implementation within a cancer care setting and provide a potential guide for other oncology settings who may be interested in implementing community-focused patient navigation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Frithsen
- Banner Health, Tucson, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Wendy Andrews
- Banner Health, Tucson, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Pomey MP, Paquette J, Nelea MI, Vialaron C, Mourad R, Bouchard K, Normandin L, Côté MA, Desforges M, Pomey-Carpentier P, Fortin I, Ganache I, Régis C, Rosberger Z, Charpentier D, Vachon MF, Bélanger L, Dorval M, Ghadiri DP, Lavoie-Tremblay M, Boivin A, Pelletier JF, Fernandez N, Danino AM, de Guise M. Integrating accompanying patients into clinical oncology teams: limiting and facilitating factors. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:150. [PMID: 38291443 PMCID: PMC10826234 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10624-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since 2018, four establishments in Quebec have been instrumental in implementing the PAROLE-Onco program, which introduced accompanying patients (APs) into healthcare teams to improve cancer patients' experience. APs are patient advisors who have acquired specific experiential knowledge related to living with cancer, using services, and interacting with healthcare professionals. They are therefore in a unique and reliable position to be able to provide emotional, informational, cognitive and navigational support to patients who are dealing with cancer. We aimed to explore APs' perspectives regarding the limiting and facilitating factors in terms of how they are integrated into the clinical oncology teams. METHODS A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups was conducted with 20 APs at the beginning of their intervention (T1) and, two years later, during a second data collection (T2). Limiting and facilitating factors of APs' integration into clinical teams were analyzed in terms of governance, culture, resources and tools. RESULTS The limited factors raised by APs to be integrated into clinical teams include the following: confusion about the specific roles played by APs, lifting the egos of certain professionals who feel they are already doing what APs typically do, lack of identification of patient needs, absence of APs in project governance organizational boundaries, and team members' availability. Various communication challenges were also raised, resulting in the program being inadequately promoted among patients. Also mentioned as limiting factors were the lack of time, space and compensation. Creating opportunities for team members to meet with APs, building trust and teaching team members how APs' activities complement theirs were enhancing factors. Other facilitators include APs being involved in decision-making committees, being leaders in promoting the PAROLE-Onco program to patients and clinical team members and creating opportunities to communicate with team members to help enhance their work and provide feedback to improve patient services. Awareness of APs' added value for the team and patients is also a key facilitator. Regarding tools, offering accompanying services by telephone allows both patients and APs to benefit from the flexibility they need. CONCLUSION Over time, APs were able to identify optimal factors for successful implementation. Recommendations include APs and professionals working in co-construction on organization, leadership, resources and status factors. This could help catalyze a change in culture within health establishments and allow people dealing with cancer to benefit from the experiential knowledge of other patients within their clinical team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pascale Pomey
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Centre d'excellence Sur Le Partenariat Avec Les Patients Et Le Public, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, School of Public Health, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, CA, Canada.
| | - Jesseca Paquette
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Monica Iliescu Nelea
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cécile Vialaron
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Rim Mourad
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Karine Bouchard
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Louise Normandin
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Andrée Côté
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mado Desforges
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Israël Fortin
- Centre Intégré, Universitaire de Santé Et Services Sociaux de L'Est-de-L'Île-de Montréal, Hôpital de Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ganache
- Institut National d'excellence en Santé Et Services Sociaux (INESSS), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Régis
- Université de Montréal - Faculté de droit, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Zeev Rosberger
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital &, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Lynda Bélanger
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Dorval
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CISSS Chaudière Appalaches, Lévis, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mélanie Lavoie-Tremblay
- Faculté Des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine Boivin
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre d'excellence Sur Le Partenariat Avec Les Patients Et Le Public, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Pelletier
- Centre Intégré de Santé Et de Services Sociaux de La Montérégie-Ouest, St-Hubert, QC, Canada
- Yale Program for Recovery & Community Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicolas Fernandez
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain M Danino
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle de Guise
- Institut National d'excellence en Santé Et Services Sociaux (INESSS), Montréal, QC, Canada
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Scruton S, Warner G, Kendell C, Pfaff K, Stajduhar K, Patrick L, Dujela C, Fauteux F, Urquhart R. Navigation programs to support community-dwelling individuals with life-limiting illness: determinants of implementation. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:39. [PMID: 38184522 PMCID: PMC10770879 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10541-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the Canadian population ages and the prevalence of chronic illnesses increases, delivering high-quality care to individuals with advanced life limiting illnesses becomes more challenging. Community-based navigation programs are a promising approach to address these challenges, but little is known about how these programs are successfully implemented to meet the needs of this population. This study sought to identify the key determinants that contribute to the successful implementation of these programs within Canada. METHODS A qualitative study was undertaken to understand the implementation of eleven innovative, community-based navigation programs that aim to address the needs of individuals with life-limiting illnesses as they approach the end of life. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided the study design. Key informants (n = 23) within these programs took part in semi-structured interviews where they were asked to discuss how these programs are implemented. Data were analyzed using techniques employed in qualitative description. RESULTS We identified key determinants of successful implementation within each CFIR domain. In the outer setting domain, participants emphasized the importance of filling gaps in care to meet client needs, developing strong relationships with clients and community-based organizations, and navigating relationships with healthcare providers. At the inner setting level, leadership support, staff compatibility, and available resources were identified as important factors. In terms of intervention characteristics, the ability to adapt was cited as a facilitator, whereas costs were identified as a barrier. For the characteristics of individuals, participants described the importance of having staff whose values align with the program, and who have the experience and skills necessary to work with complex clients. Finally, having strong champions and evaluation processes were highlighted as important process-oriented determinants of successful implementation. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable insights into the determinants of successful implementation of community-based navigation programs in Canada. Understanding these determinants can guide the future development and integration of navigation programs to successfully meet the needs of those with life-limiting illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Scruton
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Centre for Clinical Research, Dalhousie University, Room 413, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V7, Canada
| | - Grace Warner
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Cynthia Kendell
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kathryn Pfaff
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Kelli Stajduhar
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Linda Patrick
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Carren Dujela
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Faith Fauteux
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Robin Urquhart
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Centre for Clinical Research, Dalhousie University, Room 413, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V7, Canada.
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Rodriguez Espinosa P, Martinez Mulet Y, Chen WT, Kirk C, Tran C, Gonzalez M, Rosas LG. Community of Practice of Promotoras de Salud to address health inequities during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1260369. [PMID: 38026325 PMCID: PMC10679433 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1260369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Using principles of Community-Based Participatory Research, we describe a community of practice for community health workers and promotoras (CHW/Ps) to address COVID-19 inequities in the Latinx community. We offer a concrete example of how programs can engage CHW/Ps as full partners in the research process, and how programs can support CHW/Ps' capacity and workforce development during implementation. We conducted four focus groups with CHW/Ps (n = 31) to understand needs and invited 15 participants to the community of practice to work on issues identified by the group. We examined impact according to number of community members reached, types of outreach activities, surveys, and online views of educational materials. Process evaluation involved two focus groups with seven organizations and a Ripple Effects Mapping session with the CHW/Ps. Our community of practice has built CHW/Ps' capacity via 31 workshop and co-created culturally and linguistically relevant COVID-19 materials that have reached over 40,000 community members and over 3 million people online. The community of practice proved effective in supporting CHW/Ps to address COVID-19 inequities in the Latinx community. Our evaluations demonstrated benefits for community-academic partnerships, for CHW/Ps, and for the community. This model represents an innovative workforce training model to address health inequities and can be applied to other health topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Office of Community Engagement, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Yessica Martinez Mulet
- Office of Community Engagement, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Wei-ting Chen
- Office of Community Engagement, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Cary Kirk
- Office of Patient Experience, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Cindy Tran
- Office of Patient Experience, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Mike Gonzalez
- Santa Clara Family Health Plan, San José, CA, United States
| | - Lisa G. Rosas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Office of Community Engagement, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Mistry SK, Harris E, Li X, Harris MF. Feasibility and acceptability of involving bilingual community navigators to improve access to health and social care services in general practice setting of Australia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:476. [PMID: 37170092 PMCID: PMC10174608 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds often face difficulties in accessing health and social care services. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of involving community health workers (CHWs) as bilingual community navigators (BCNs) in general practice setting, to help patients from CALD backgrounds access health and social care services in Australia. METHODS This research was conducted in two general practices in Sydney where most patients are from specific CALD backgrounds (Chinese in one practice and Samoan in other). Three CHWs trained as BCNs were placed in these practices to help patients access health and social care service. A mixed-method design was followed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention including analysis of a record of services provided by BCNs and post-intervention qualitative interviews with patients, practice staff and BCNs exploring the feasibility and acceptability of the BCNs' role. The record was analyzed using descriptive statistics and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS BCNs served a total of 95 patients, providing help with referral to other services (52.6%), information about appointments (46.3%), local resources (12.6%) or available social benefits (23.2%). Most patients received one service from BCNs with the average duration of appointments being half an hour. Overall, BCNs fitted in well within the practices and patients as well as staff of participating practices accepted them well. Their role was facilitated by patients' felt need for and acceptance of BCNs' services, recruitment of BCNs from the patient community, as well as BCNs' training and motivation for their role. Major barriers for patients to access BCNs' services included lack of awareness of the BCNs' roles among some patients and practice staff, unavailability of information about local culture specific services, and inadequate time and health system knowledge by BCNs. Limited funding support and the short timeframe of the project were major limitations of the project. CONCLUSION BCNs' placement in general practice was feasible and acceptable to patients and staff in these practices. This first step needs to be followed by accredited training, development of the workforce and establishing systems for supervision in order to sustain the program. Future research is needed on the extension of the intrevention to other practices and culture groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabuj Kanti Mistry
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xue Li
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark F Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Green HM, Carmona-Barrera V, Diaz L, Yeh C, Williams B, Davis K, Kominiarek MA, Feinglass J, Grobman WA, Zera C, Yee LM. Implementation of postpartum navigation for low-income individuals at an urban academic medical center. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282048. [PMID: 36821597 PMCID: PMC9949671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient navigation, a patient-centered intervention to promote comprehensive health care, is an emerging innovation in obstetrics to optimize postpartum care. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of a novel postpartum patient navigation program at an urban academic medical center. METHODS This mixed-methods study analyzed the implementation of a postpartum patient navigation program within an ongoing randomized control trial. This study analyzed three navigators' logs of interactions with 50 patients, care team members, and community organizations throughout patients' first year postpartum. We categorized and quantified interactions by topic addressed, care team member interacted with, and communication mode used. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with each navigator every three months (5 interviews per navigator), emphasizing navigation experiences, relationships with patients and care teams, integration in the care team, and healthcare system gaps. Interview data were analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify themes using the constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). RESULTS Analysis of navigator logs revealed a high patient need level, especially in the first 3 months postpartum. CFIR-guided analysis of intervention characteristics revealed positive perceptions of navigation's utility due to its adaptability. Navigation's complexity, however, posed an early obstacle to implementation that diminished over time. Outer setting analysis indicated navigators addressed patient needs through interactions with multiple systems. Despite clinicians' initial unfamiliarity with navigation, inner setting analysis suggested ongoing communication and electronic medical record use facilitated integration into the care team. Regarding individual and process characteristics, findings emphasized how navigator self-efficacy and confidence increased with experience (individual) and was facilitated by comprehensive training and reflection (process). Overall, barriers to implementation included unfamiliarity, varied patient engagement, and innovation complexity. Facilitators included high patient need, communication with outside organizations, medical record usage, navigator characteristics (self-efficacy, communication skills, and personal growth), a comprehensive training period, consistent reflection, high relative advantage, and high adaptability to patient need. CONCLUSION Patient navigation is a promising innovation to improve postpartum care coordination and support care team efforts. The successful implementation of navigation in this study indicates that, if shown to improve patient outcomes, obstetric navigation could be a component of patient-centered postpartum care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Green
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Viridiana Carmona-Barrera
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Laura Diaz
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Chen Yeh
- Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Brittney Williams
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ka’Derricka Davis
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Michelle A. Kominiarek
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Joe Feinglass
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - William A. Grobman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Chloe Zera
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Lynn M. Yee
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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Development of a patient-oriented navigation model for patients with lung cancer and stroke in Germany. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:785. [PMID: 35710375 PMCID: PMC9202203 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The concept of patient navigation was first established in the USA to support vulnerable patient groups in receiving timely and comprehensive access to cancer care. It has recently gained increasing interest in Germany to support patients with chronic diseases in a fragmented healthcare system. The aim of this paper is to present the development of such a model adapted to the German context based on the results of mixed-methods studies investigating the need for and barriers to patient-oriented care. Methods In a process adapted from Delphi rounds, we conducted regular structured workshops with investigators of the project to discuss results of their studies and identify content and structure of the model based on the data. Workshop discussions were structured along seven core components of a navigation model including target patient groups, navigator tasks, occupational background and education of navigators, and patient-navigator interaction mode. Results Using an approach based on empirical data of current care practices with special focus on patients’ perspectives, we developed a patient-oriented navigation model for patients who have experienced stroke and lung cancer in the German healthcare context. Patients without personal social support were viewed as struggling most with the healthcare system, as well as multimorbid and elderly patients. Navigators should serve as a longer-term contact person with a flexible contact mode and timing based on the individual situation and preferences of patients. Navigator tasks include the provision of administrative and organizational support as well as referral and guidance to available resources and beneficial health programs with special forms of knowledge. Implementation of the navigator should be flexibly located to ensure a reliable outreach to vulnerable patients for first contact in settings like specialized in-patient and out-patient settings, while navigation itself focuses on care coordination in the out-patient setting. Conclusion Flexibility of navigator tasks needed to be a core characteristic of a navigation model to be perceived as supportive from patients’ perspectives. In a subsequent feasibility study, an intervention based on the model will be evaluated according to its acceptance, demand, and practicality.
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