Implementing Patient Navigation for Children With CKD

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those who experienced socioeconomic disadvantage, have poorer health and lower quality of life (QoL), partly because of limited access to high-quality care. Patient navigation may improve access to care, self-advocacy, self-management, and emotional well-being.

We conducted a national stakeholder workshop involving 38 participants (4 patients, 1 policy-maker/funder, 22 researchers, and 11 health care professionals) from 7 states or territories in Australia and discussed potential strategies to implement navigation programs in diverse CKD clinical settings.

We identified 7 key themes or strategies for implementation. "Securing sustainable funding" was considered necessary for program longevity. Prioritizing the "well-being of navigators" involved protecting their mental health. "Embedding patient navigation within the existing health care system" involved integrating navigators into the multidisciplinary care team. "Encourage robust communication through collaboration" empowered patients and families to make informed, shared decisions. "Targeting the appropriate population and situations" was emphasized to support patients and families during the most difficult phases of their CKD journey. Participants recognized the program's benefits, including improving care delivery fragmentation and "Adapting the model of care" to ensure appropriateness for diverse populations and settings.

The navigation program can be adopted, adapted, and scaled-up for implementation to improve care coordination and access to quality care for children with CKD. Key strategies include securing long-term funding, supporting navigator well-being through training and peer support, integrating navigation into health care systems, and maintaining flexibility while preserving core elements.