Respect in the Oncology Navigation Setting

The oncology patient navigation process is recognized as an evidence-based strategy that reduces health inequities in cancer care. With the logical act of connecting patients to resources that are best for their needs, access to quality care is improved—reducing barriers for patients equates to diminished delays in cancer care, from screening to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This access to equitable and high-quality care is critical, as oncology care has evolved and become more complex over time.

In March 2022, the Oncology Navigation Standards of Professional Practice were released, and professional navigators were recognized as patient navigators, nurse navigators, and oncology social work navigators. Each role brings services within the boundaries of their education, training, licensure, and certification to contribute to enhanced oncology care. After 2.5 years, it is time for other oncology professionals to respect navigators by using the correct terms to address them and valuing the qualities, skills, and positive attributes of this critical healthcare role.

At a recent national navigation meeting, a physician who collaborates with navigators and serves on national committees repeatedly used the term “lay navigator” to describe patient navigators. Additionally, a professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research published an article in their patient-facing magazine that committed the same faux pas—using the term “lay navigators”—and quoted a well-known cancer care consultant using the same term.

The term “lay navigator” is derogatory toward the patient navigators who have training in an oncology health–related field supported by competency-based navigation sessions or courses, and who are recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as professionals entitled to reimbursement for their specialized services.

I am asking for each professional navigator to support peer and colleague mentorship relations by calling out this behavior to enhance the body of knowledge surrounding the practice of oncology navigation. Each of us needs to be leaders in advocating for the navigation profession!