Connecting patients with clinical trials using patient navigation: a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Clinical Trial Management
• Patient Advocacy

Background:

• Optimizing clinical trial design and enrollment workflows is crucial for increasing participation.
• Patient navigation is a personalized intervention designed to overcome barriers and ensure timely healthcare access.
• Existing literature on patient navigation's role in clinical trial participation requires synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of existing literature on patient navigation.
• To summarize current knowledge regarding patient navigation interventions for clinical trials.
• To identify gaps in the literature concerning patient navigation and clinical trial participation.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of multiple databases (e.g., MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL) was performed.
• Literature published in English from inception through March 2025 was included.
• The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was employed, adhering to PRISMA extension guidelines.

Main Results:

• The review synthesizes findings on patient navigation strategies.
• Analysis of current research on patient navigation's impact on clinical trial enrollment.
• Identification of key themes and outcomes related to patient navigation in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Patient navigation shows promise as an intervention to enhance clinical trial participation.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and optimize patient navigation's role.
• Dissemination of findings will occur through publications and presentations.