Cancer patients with a nurse navigator rated their care higher and reported fewer problems than patients without one, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
According to the American Medical Association, a patient navigator is someone who provides personal guidance to patients as they move through the health care system. Patient navigators may have professional medical, legal, financial, or administrative experience.
The study involved about 500 people in Seattle who were newly diagnosed with breast, lung, colon or rectal cancer. Half were assigned to patient navigators -- all oncology nurses -- who helped them for four months by calling them on the phone, meeting with them, and going with them to doctor visits.
The control group received educational material designed by a patient advisory committee.
The Affordable Care Act requires that each state health insurance exchange establish a navigator program to help people and businesses make informed decisions about enrolling.
The American Cancer Society has patient navigators at 125 hospitals, treatment centers and other health care settings throughout the country. Patients and their families can call 800-227-2345 to locate an American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program.
