Role of the Navigator

Mandi Pratt-Chapman helps clarify the roles of the nurse navigator, patient navigator, and social worker, and how they all work together to further the needs to the patient and the institution.
Cheryl Bellomo explains why navigators need to prove their value in the cancer care arena and explains how to accomplish this.
Beginning a navigation program can be intimidating and there is not one program that fits every institution. Lillie recommends visiting other institutions that have established programs as a starting point.
Barbara Francks truly believes that building trust early on with a patient can make breaking down barriers an easier task throughout their journey.
Lillie addresses the alarming 48% deficit the healthcare system faces in oncology specialists by 2020. Psychosocial needs of patients will still need to be met, and this is where navigators can fill the gap and ensure those services don't get pushed aside.
As navigators, we need to be resourceful and act as constant change agents in order to break down the stigma around cancer that causes barriers to care.
Jennifer Klemp emphasizes the importance of early genetic assessments in the care of patients.
Jennifer Klemp foretells a future of navigation that includes the need for more survivors and the need for navigators to help them along their care continuum.
Jennifer Klemp describes the use of pathways in helping to maintain a balance in the increasing cost of care.
Jennifer Klemp focuses on translating her goals when speaking to her team about implementing quality improvement changes.