Providing community education: lessons learned from Native Patient Navigators.

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Public health interventions
• Cancer education

Background:

• The Native Navigators and the Cancer Continuum (NNACC) study involved American Indian organizations.
• Lay Native Patient Navigators (NPNs) were tasked with delivering community education workshops.
• Community education represented a novel role for NPNs, generating practical experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and share lessons learned from NPNs regarding the implementation of community education workshops.
• To provide guidance for other patient navigators incorporating public education into their services.
• To inform the development of future navigation research and interventions.

Main Methods:

• A community-based participatory research approach was employed.
• Native Patient Navigators (NPNs) met quarterly to share experiences and lessons learned.
• Lessons were prioritized and categorized related to education, training, content, presentation, logistics, and problem-solving.

Main Results:

• Nine key lessons were identified by NPNs, categorized into training, content, and logistics.
• A significant overarching lesson highlighted the importance of meeting community needs for study success.
• The NPNs' dedication to understanding and addressing community needs was crucial for the project's success.

Conclusions:

• Lessons learned from the NNACC project offer practical guidance for patient navigators implementing community education.
• The findings are relevant for diverse patient populations and for researchers developing navigation interventions.
• Successful community education requires a focus on navigator training, tailored content, and effective logistics, all centered on community needs.