The CATCH: In Support of Saving a Life

Megan Kassel, BSN, RN

Because of her persistence, nursing skills, and care coordination, Megan saved her patient’s life.

—Mission Health Navigation Director

A CATCH is a navigation success story where a navigation tactic improved a patient’s situation. The CATCH Initiative, short for Catching & Addressing Threats to Care & Health, tracks and acknowledges positive outcomes of navigation tactics.

The CATCH of the Month

Background: A lung cancer patient was experiencing severe shortness of breath after being discharged home with a pleural drain and turned to their navigator for help.

The Incident: Megan contacted her lung cancer patient for a normal follow-up touchpoint when she noticed the patient was experiencing severe shortness of breath. She assessed the patient over the phone and determined the patient needed immediate evaluation.

The CATCH (Intervention): Understanding the urgency and severity of the patient’s shortness of breath, the navigator immediately contacted the patient’s treating physician and advocated for expedited follow-up care. Due to her crucial conversation with the physician, the patient was scheduled for a chest CT scan the following day; the scan identified a malfunctioning pleural drain. The patient was subsequently admitted to the hospital for revisions, and the shortness of breath and discomfort were resolved.

The Importance of the CATCH

While navigators touch many facets of patient care throughout the cancer continuum, recognizing and addressing the many clinical issues that can arise remains a top priority. Navigators can often be the eyes and ears for their providers, as exemplified in this CATCH.

Not only does this CATCH highlight the importance of the clinical knowledge and expertise needed in oncology navigation, it also displays the many benefits of multidisciplinary communication and coordination of care within the cancer care dynamic. The impact this CATCH had on saving this patient’s life validates the profession of navigation and confirms the need for navigators for all cancer patients.

Tell us about the navigation tactics that improve the lives of your patients!