Evolving Lung Cancer Navigator Practice Through Targeted Professional Development: A Long-Term Outcomes Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Patient Navigation

Background:

• Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with significant disparities in care.
• Patient navigators are crucial for guiding patients and improving access to quality lung cancer care.
• A gap exists in specialized lung cancer training for healthcare navigators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a lung cancer-specific educational workshop on navigator knowledge, confidence, and effectiveness.
• To assess how the workshop influences job satisfaction and contribution to multidisciplinary care.
• To understand navigators' perceptions of the training's effect on their professional roles.

Main Methods:

• Development of a professional development program: the Lung Cancer Navigator Workshop.
• Curriculum focused on evidence-based topics: screening, diagnosis, biomarker testing, treatment, survivorship, and stigma.
• Program evaluation via immediate post-workshop testing and a nine-month follow-up survey.

Main Results:

• 217 participants completed the workshop, demonstrating significant knowledge gains.
• Over 80% reported sustained benefits at nine-month follow-up.
• Participants noted improvements in screening, diagnostic pathways, risk assessment, and communication, alongside increased confidence and job satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Lung cancer-specific navigator training leads to lasting improvements in knowledge and professional outcomes.
• Targeted training can enhance the navigator workforce and reduce health disparities.
• Improved navigator training advances care coordination and ultimately improves patient outcomes.