Cancer Patient Navigation in Canada: Directions From the North.

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Healthcare Navigation
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Cancer care requires robust patient support systems.
• Cancer patient navigation is crucial for guiding individuals through complex healthcare systems.
• Geographical barriers in Canada limit access to cancer care, especially in rural and remote areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of cancer navigation programs across Canada.
• To examine the role of the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology/Association canadienne des infirmières en oncologie (CANO/ACIO) in supporting cancer navigators.
• To identify similarities and differences in provincial and territorial cancer navigation programs.

Main Methods:

• Interviews were conducted with representatives from provincial and territorial cancer navigation programs.
• The Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology/Association canadienne des infirmières en oncologie (CANO/ACIO) Navigation Special Interest Group (SIG) facilitated these discussions.
• Data collection excluded Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, and Yukon.

Main Results:

• Cancer navigation programs exhibit significant variation across Canadian provinces and territories.
• These differences are primarily driven by geographical needs and specific health authority structures.
• Despite variations, the core intent of cancer navigation remains consistent.

Conclusions:

• The Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology/Association canadienne des infirmières en oncologie (CANO/ACIO) provides a vital community of practice for cancer navigators.
• Virtual monthly meetings of the CANO/ACIO Navigation SIG enable collaboration, issue identification, and trend analysis.
• Enhanced collaboration among navigators can lead to program evolution and improved patient support, particularly for those in underserved regions.