Implementing a System-Wide Comprehensive Cancer Navigation Program in a Rapidly Expanding Health System

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Navigation

Background:

• Multidisciplinary cancer care can lead to fragmented patient experiences, delays, and increased stress.
• Existing nurse navigation programs are often limited to specific specialties.
• A comprehensive, system-wide approach is needed to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, system-wide nurse navigation program.
• To assess the program's impact on access to care and patient satisfaction across multiple oncology service lines.

Main Methods:

• A pilot nurse navigation program was launched in a 26-hospital system in 2022.
• Nurse navigators coordinated patient care from diagnosis, including referrals, appointments, and psychosocial support.
• Outcomes measured included time to initial oncology appointment (TTA) and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Over 7,000 patients entered navigation between 2023-2024.
• TTA decreased significantly across breast, gynecologic, colorectal, and hepatobiliary/GI services (e.g., breast oncology TTA reduced from 22.8 to 6.8 days).
• Patient satisfaction was consistently high, though areas for improvement in communication and program explanation were noted.

Conclusions:

• A centralized, system-wide cancer navigation program is feasible and effective.
• The program improved access to oncology care and maintained high patient satisfaction.
• This scalable infrastructure enhances cancer care delivery in large health systems.