| What Does a Breast Cancer Navigator Do? | | Collaborates with other health care providers to coordinate seamless cancer care Serves as a point of contact to bridge health care gaps Helps patients navigate the health care system Educates patients about their diagnosis, treatment and survivorship Identifies program benchmarks and desired quality outcomes Researches and identifies current best practices for cancer care Develops breast health and breast cancer care pathways Assesses patient satisfaction with current breast health, imaging and cancer services Addresses and assists patients in eliminating barriers such as financial and transportation issues Develops standardized patient education tools Serves as a resource for patients, staff, physicians and community Contributes to research and presents evidence-based practices related to breast cancer care to oncology services, physicians and administrators Participates in quality assurance activities, and tracks and monitors care timelines Provides patient support! |
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the No. 2 cause of cancer death in women. 1 Every 2 minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. 2,3 In 2007, the disease affected more than 178,480 women and more than 2,000 men. 2,3
A diagnosis of breast cancer triggers a multitude of emotions and questions for patients and their families. Reeling from the diagnosis and overwhelmed by the many treatment options available, patients with breast cancer may feel unable to make decisions about their care and treatment without additional education and support. Navigating today's complex cancer care system is challenging, and many patients and their families need a guide to help them get where they need to go. The Navigator Role
A navigator is a guide - someone who directs a course and provides information about the route ahead. Navigators for patients are becoming vital components of comprehensive cancer care. More than 200 cancer care programs now incorporate patient navigators, and many of these services are funded by such groups as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Avon Foundation. 4 In 2005, Congress passed the Patient Navigator, Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act, which will provide more than $25 million for pilot patient navigator programs throughout the country. 5 An informed, compassionate health care provider can deliver prompt education and support, assist patients with informed decision making and help them cope with this health crisis. A review of the literature shows that newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who receive face-to-face interventions and education report decreased anxiety, improved psychological adjustment, better quality of life and more positive outcomes compared with patients who do not receive such interventions. 6-8 NPs as Navigators
As breast cancer navigators, nurse practitioners have the opportunity to improve quality of life for newly diagnosed cancer patients. 9-11 Breast cancer navigators, sometimes known as cancer care coordinators, are specially trained health care professionals who assist patients in navigating the complex health care system, ensuring access to cancer care services and providing quality care throughout the cancer continuum. 9-13 These navigators serve as experts in cancer care. They identify and address physical, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial needs of cancer patients. Common functions of the breast cancer navigator are listed in the sidebar. The exact responsibilities and functions of a breast cancer navigator vary from setting to setting. New diagnostic and treatment modalities for breast cancer are complex, challenging and ever-changing. Their judicious use requires advanced knowledge about breast cancer and breast diseases and advanced knowledge about surgical and breast reconstruction options, adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiation treatment and the newest clinical trial and genetic testing choices. Nurse practitioners have advanced educational preparation that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to offer complex care. 14 A breast cancer navigator is instrumental in ensuring multidisciplinary care for the breast cancer patient, functioning as the central point of contact for her (or him) and the many medical providers involved in care. Nurse practitioners function well in this role, facilitating collaboration, communication and coordination of care with radiologists, oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists - and ensuring a seamless, individualized approach to patient care from the moment of diagnosis through completion of treatment.
Several studies have examined the impact of the nurse practitioner in cancer care. This research documented positive effects on quality of life, cost effectiveness, improved access to care, decreased psychological distress, improved functional status, and improved patient satisfaction. 7,10,14-16
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