Patient Navigation for Cancer Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Cancer poses a significant health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
• Patient navigation is an emerging strategy to address cancer care disparities.
• The scope and impact of patient navigation in SSA remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively map the existing literature on patient navigation interventions for cancer care in SSA.
• To identify the characteristics, outcomes, and implementation factors of these interventions.
• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of patient navigation in the SSA context.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted using a standardized 3-step search strategy.
• Eligible studies focused on patient navigation interventions for cancer care within SSA.
• Data extraction covered study, participant, navigator characteristics, outcomes, and implementation barriers/facilitators.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two studies detailing 20 interventions across 10 SSA countries were included.
• Most studies were descriptive, focusing on breast and cervical cancers during the treatment phase.
• Navigator roles encompassed education, psychosocial support, care coordination, and barrier mitigation.

Conclusions:

• Patient navigation is feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for cancer patients in SSA.
• Limited funding is a key barrier to the sustainability of these interventions.
• Strategic investment is crucial for scaling up patient navigation to improve regional cancer outcomes.