Developing a provincial cancer patient navigation program utilizing a quality improvement approach Part one:...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Navigation

Background:

• A provincial cancer agency in Alberta initiated a quality improvement project in 2012.
• The project aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a provincial cancer patient navigation program.
• Funding was provided by the Alberta Cancer Foundation (ACF) from April 2012 to March 2014.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the knowledge base guiding the development of a provincial navigation program.
• To describe the methodology for implementing this program across 15 diverse cancer care sites.
• This article is the first in a series detailing the project's processes, standards, education, and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Initiation of a provincial quality improvement project by Alberta's cancer agency.
• Development and implementation of a navigation program across 15 sites.
• Focus on establishing foundational knowledge and implementation methodology.

Main Results:

• A provincial navigation program was developed and implemented across a large geographical area.
• The program spanned 15 sites, serving rural and isolated urban populations.
• This article details the initial knowledge base and implementation strategy.

Conclusions:

• The foundational knowledge and implementation strategy were critical for establishing the provincial navigation program.
• The project laid the groundwork for subsequent articles detailing the educational framework and outcomes.
• This initiative represents a significant effort in enhancing cancer care delivery across Alberta.