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Evolving Lung Cancer Navigator Practice Through Targeted Professional Development: A Long-Term Outcomes Analysis
Sydney J Lloyd1, Meg Fay Mortman2, Patrick O Monahan3
1GO2 for Lung Cancer, Washington, DC; Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Chest
|July 16, 2026
Summary
A lung cancer navigator training program significantly improved knowledge and confidence. This targeted education strengthens the workforce, reduces disparities, and enhances patient care coordination for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Healthcare Workforce Development
- Patient Navigation
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality with significant care disparities.
- Patient navigators are crucial for guiding patients but often lack specialized lung cancer training.
- This training gap impacts the effectiveness of the navigator workforce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a lung cancer-specific educational workshop for navigators.
- To assess changes in navigators' knowledge, confidence, job satisfaction, and role effectiveness.
- To determine the workshop's influence on multidisciplinary care contribution.
Main Methods:
- Developed and delivered a lung cancer-specific educational workshop for navigators.
- Curriculum focused on evidence-based topics: screening, diagnosis, biomarker testing, treatment, survivorship, and stigma.
- Program evaluation used immediate post-workshop testing and a nine-month follow-up survey.
Main Results:
- 217 participants completed the workshop, showing significant knowledge gains.
- Over 80% reported sustained benefits at nine months, including improved screening and diagnostic pathways.
- Participants noted enhanced confidence, job satisfaction, and stigma-reducing communication skills.
Conclusions:
- Lung cancer-specific navigator training leads to lasting improvements in knowledge and professional outcomes.
- Targeted training can bolster the navigator workforce and reduce cancer care disparities.
- Enhanced navigator skills advance care coordination and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
