Abstract
Our aim was to determine the extent to which comprehensive navigation augments the provincial health system for meeting the needs of newly-diagnosed cancer patients (clients). We also assessed reactions of attending physicians to comprehensive navigation. Clients who completed navigation as an employee benefit or through membership in an insurance organization were polled to determine whether they needed help beyond that provided by the provincial health system and the extent to which that help was provided by navigation. Exit interviews were analyzed for perceptions of the clients about reactions by their attending physicians to navigation. Of eligible clients, 72% responded. They reported needing help beyond that which the provincial system could provide in 64%-98% of specified areas. Navigation provided help in more than 90% of those cases. Almost all respondents (98%) appreciated having a designated oncology nurse navigator. Family doctors were perceived to be positive or neutral about navigation in 100% of exit interviews. Oncologists were positive or neutral in 92% (p < 0.001 for difference from family doctors). In many areas, cancer patients need additional help beyond that which the provincial health system can provide. Comprehensive cancer navigation provides that help to a considerable extent. Clients perceived the reactions of attending physicians to comprehensive navigation to be generally supportive or neutral.
Highlights
Cancer patients are seldom equipped to face their diagnosis and might find treatment almost as threatening and bewildering as cancer itself
Comprehensive cancer navigation provides that help to a considerable extent
Clients perceived the reactions of attending physicians to comprehensive navigation to be generally supportive or neutral
Summary
Cancer patients are seldom equipped to face their diagnosis and might find treatment almost as threatening and bewildering as cancer itself. That role would fall to family doctors, but by design those providers are typically excluded from day-today management during cancer treatment, and they often lack the background information required to deal with the complex issues facing cancer survivors after completion of treatment[5]. Those shortfalls have raised awareness of the need for patient-oriented care, including screening for distress[6], a more holistic approach during treatment[7], and guidance during survivorship[3]. None have taken a comprehensive approach, addressing the entire spectrum of challenges faced by patients during treatment and into survivorship
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