One of the dominant themes in oncology healthcare is how to address costs, especially as more diagnostic tests and cancer therapies emerge. The new Oncology Care Model is trying to address this issue by transitioning from the traditional fee for service to a value-based care model.
Navigation programs can help with sustainability of the field by capturing core metrics on barriers identified, interventions to reduce barriers, numbers and types of patients served.
Financial support for continuing education has been a challenge as healthcare systems have trimmed budgets in recent years. We realized this ongoing financial challenge for navigators and hoped the free one-year AONN+ membership along with waiving the navigation certification fee were enough financial incentives to attend the AONN+ annual conference.
Patient navigators have a basic and ever-expanding knowledge of medical and cancer terminology. If a navigator does not have the knowledge necessary to answer patient questions, they may refer the patient to other members of the health care team.
It's January, and many people have made new year’s resolutions. Commonly, such resolutions are focused on dieting or other goals aimed at personal growth. Maybe consider making some resolutions focused on your career path.
You have been there from the start; through thick and thin, navigating your patient through what felt like shark-infested waters for him. He has completed his acute treatment. Now he will be seen every 6 months and you will not be caring for him anymore. What happens?
All of the team members on the cancer care team are critical to help patients meet their treatment and survivorship goals. The patient navigator can help the patient understand all of the roles on the health care team and what the patient and their loved ones can expect from each person.
A newly diagnosed patient becomes dependent on us very quickly. Actually they bond fast with most of the members of their oncology treatment team. Navigators in particular serve as a life line for them as they go on this onerous journey of cancer treatment.
