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Patient navigation has become essential for the care of the oncology patient in a complex healthcare environment; however, the term “navigation” has been used loosely to describe several functions of the role of a patient liaison, social worker, or registered nurse. A navigation program was created recently for patients who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

An Interview with Stephen C. Malamud, MD, and Susan K. Boolbol, MD, of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital

Quite often I am asked what constitutes “good” oncology care. Many people have their opinions; patients, doctors, allied medical professionals, and even health plan administrators like to weigh in on this issue. Those in the industry often use buzzwords—eg, quality, outcomes, and cost—interchangeably, but are they really the same? Unfortunately, no one seems to be in agreement on the answer. Most healthcare professionals know that good oncology care is essential, but without a set of unified standards or distinct definitions on how to measure good care, it is almost impossible for everyone to speak the same language.

It doesn’t matter if you are new at navigation or a seasoned navigator, we each need to invest in our careers.

With the latest Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards taking effect in January 2015, cancer centers across the United States are in various stages of compliance. Altogether, the commission has accredited approximately 1500 cancer programs and more than 70% of patients with cancer are being treated at a CoC-accredited program.