The theme of World Cancer Day 2022, “Close the Care Gap,” pertains to the issue of equity and that is what ALL oncology navigators do daily! A core competency of patient navigation is to assess barriers to care and engage patients and families in creating potential solutions to financial, practical, and social challenges. Taking into consideration literacy, culture, language, and other patient characteristics, the navigators then continue to identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to patient needs (practical, social, physical, emotional, spiritual).
I am proud of the oncology navigation professionals as they address the barriers and work throughout the continuum of care to close gaps in equity. While improving patient outcomes and increasing patient satisfaction, their work also helps create a positive return on investments by decreasing the rates of no-show or cancellation and increasing downstream revenues with proactive education and trust-building in the care system.
Over the last 2 decades, the profession of patient navigation has become a mainstay support strategy as navigators walk alongside a patient through the initial outreach and prevention, the phases of diagnosis and treatment, and the survivorship and end-of-life care. During this journey, gaps are closed as the power of knowledge is shared with patients and families, and the challenges to oncology standards of care are addressed.
The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) is proud to support this proactive, patient-centered approach that has the capability to “close the gap” to empower patient activation, help with symptom management, and decrease the likelihood of inefficient care.
