Professional navigation: a comparative study of two Canadian models.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Navigation

Background:

• Cancer navigation is a key strategy in cancer control programs to enhance supportive care access and patient experience.
• Understanding professional navigation models is crucial for optimizing cancer care delivery.
• Two distinct Canadian models, Quebec's Pivot Nurse in Oncology (PNO) and Nova Scotia's Cancer Patient Navigator (CPN), offer insights into professional navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the Quebec Pivot Nurse in Oncology (PNO) and Nova Scotia Cancer Patient Navigator (CPN) models.
• To understand the functions and challenges faced by professional navigators in different Canadian healthcare systems.
• To analyze professional navigation using a recognized framework (Fillion et al., 2012).

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research approach.
• Conducted 49 interviews and 10 focus groups.
• Involved professional navigators, patients, family members, front-line staff, physicians, and health administrators.

Main Results:

• Despite structural differences, both PNO and CPN models demonstrate that professional navigators perform comparable functions.
• Navigators in both programs encounter similar challenges in their roles.
• The study underscores the complexity and significant value of professional cancer navigation.

Conclusions:

• Professional cancer navigators play a vital role in improving patient experience and access to care.
• Optimizing cancer navigation requires understanding its complexities and shared challenges across different models.
• Recommendations are provided for enhancing the management of cancer navigation within healthcare systems.