Promoting Clinical Trials: Navigator’s Role in Providing “First Hope” to Patients

Dear Navigators, Social Workers, Administrators, and Clinical Staff,

Our 2017 ONE Award winner, Laura Mulderrig, BSN, RN, OCN, was recently asked about her work on the clinical trials unit and how she educates patients about the opportunity to enroll in a trial. She said, “I encourage them not to give up and not to think a clinical trial is their last hope. It’s not. It could be their first hope.” Simply stated, this sentiment of providing hope embodies the spirit of navigation.

The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) established the Clinical Trials Committee to provide education and support to navigators in their mission to promote clinical trials to their patients and institutions.

In this issue, our Clinical Trials Committee co-chairs, Lavinia Dobrea, RN, MS, OCN, and Lucy J. Gansauer, MSN, RN, OCN, CCRP, discuss the importance of the navigator’s role in clinical trials. From advocacy to education, navigators are a key component to the success of clinical trials. I encourage you to read their contribution, “Navigating the Complex Terrain of Clinical Trials.”

Are you a member of AONN+ and interested in participating in a committee? Does the idea of elevating the importance of educating patients about participation in clinical trials appeal to you? We welcome you to apply to join this committee!

Sincerely,

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, ONN-CG
Editor-in-Chief, JONS; Program Director, AONN+
University Distinguished Professor of Breast Cancer, Adm Director, the Johns Hopkins Breast Center; Director, Johns Hopkins Cancer Survivorship Programs; Professor of Surgery and Oncology, JHU School of Medicine; Co-Creator, Work Stride-Managing Cancer at Work.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.