A patient navigator’s primary purpose is to improve patient outcomes by breaking down barriers to healthcare literacy and communication. In addition, they help patients and their families navigate the healthcare system by building trust and reducing fear. Navigators are essential to the changing healthcare delivery environment, helping deliver more effective, efficient care while ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare.
To learn more about the role of a health navigator, read the following article.
Improves Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes.
In the 1990s, Dr. Harold Freeman noticed disparities in cancer care access, which led to poor outcomes for patients with advanced cancer. He realized a patient navigation program would help eliminate barriers to timely cancer screening and treatment. Freeman worked tirelessly to implement the first patient navigation program in the country, which has proven to be an effective way to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes for underserved populations.
The benefits of patient navigation go beyond access to cancer care. For example, it can address barriers to cancer screening and diagnosis, such as the fact that poor patients don’t have insurance and can’t read or speak English. A patient navigation system through a health care navigator process can also monitor and facilitate quality care. By addressing these issues, patient navigation can improve cancer outcomes, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of life. For example, one study found that patient navigation can prevent high medical costs by preventing cancer patients from presenting at cancer clinics at later stages, such as recurrence or relapse.
Effective Working Relationships with Patients.
Patient navigators, also known as lay patient navigators, are a growing field of healthcare professionals. These advocates work with patients one-on-one, promoting recommended healthcare usage behaviors and improving patient health outcomes. The role of patient navigators can be challenging, but it is not entirely new. Layperson health navigators help patients navigate the complex health system. Here are the essential benefits of patient navigators.
First of all, layperson health navigators have a variety of skills. In addition to their expertise, they are non-medical professionals. Many layperson health navigators are also peered helpers, relying on their experience and knowledge of the health care system to assist patients in navigating it effectively. As a result, layperson health navigators often serve as a bridge between patients and healthcare professionals, helping them understand their illnesses and treatment options.
Work with Multidisciplinary Care Providers and Partners.
As health navigators, health professionals advocate for patients and families and provide patient-centered support and education about the healthcare system. They coordinate the continuum of care and work with community partners to reduce barriers to care and increase patient empowerment. Navigators can help patients and families navigate the cancer care continuum and make informed decisions about their needed services. They also help coordinate care throughout the system to improve patient outcomes.
Health navigators are highly skilled individuals who assist patients and families in navigating the health care system. Their primary focus is to empower patients to make informed decisions, navigate the system, and access community resources. They have typically trusted community members with experience in a specific community and firsthand knowledge of local health resources. However, the role is not limited to health care; navigators may help patients navigate financial, legal, and insurance systems.
Help Patients Navigate the Healthcare System.
Patients may not be aware of the many benefits of using a patient navigator to help them navigate the healthcare system. These professionals can be laypersons, healthcare professionals, or former patients. Patient navigators serve different roles; their experience and training will determine their tasks. For example, a layperson may help patients identify their needs and barriers to care, while a health professional will perform more advanced tasks.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has changed how the healthcare system works. The PPACA prioritizes affordability, accessibility, and accountability. However, it has not addressed a key issue: health disparities. A patient navigator may help narrow these disparities. With the proper training and support, these individuals could be invaluable to a patient’s overall health and well-being. The benefits of patient navigation are not just personal; they can also help the healthcare system operate more smoothly.
