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Standardizing oncology patient navigator role clarification can help nurses and social workers operate at the top of their license while protecting patient navigators and institutions from liability issues.

Nurses serving in the role of navigator can be instrumental in addressing the barriers of timely access to care, implementing interventions to reduce disparities, and improving overall patient satisfaction with cancer treatment. Using 10 primary studies published between 2008 and 2014, this literature review examines the effect of navigator intervention on the continuity of care and on patient satisfaction for those with cancer. The evidence provided by the quantitative and qualitative research studies utilizing a variety of tools supports the positive effect of navigator intervention on continuity of care and the satisfaction of patients during their cancer experience.

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.

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

In preparation for the new American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center focused on having an oncology nurse navigation program in place to support patients by January 2014.

Patients and their families facing the diagnosis of cancer can feel lost, uncertain, overwhelmed, and fearful of the healthcare system.

Creating patient navigation and survivorship programs to deliver SCPs can be challenging. Many clinical professionals are tasked with developing programs, but they may not possess the program-planning skills that are essential for success.

Memphis, TN—One of the most popular presentations at the 4th Annual Navigation and Survivorship Conference of the Association of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) was delivered by Linda A. Lee, MD, AGAF. Dr Lee is the Clinical Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center in Baltimore.

The Patient Navigation Framework: Navigator Function Across Domains will serve as a guide for developing patient navigation-specific competencies so the field of patient navigation can move toward greater standardization of the profession.

This is part 3 of a 5-part series.