Patient navigation and the American Cancer Society

Abstract

Objectives: To review the evolution, implementation, and development of the American Cancer Society's Navigator program.

Data sources: American Cancer Society reports and published articles

Conclusion: The American Cancer Society has a long history of supporting the growth and development of navigation, from provision of funding for Dr Freeman's pilot program, to developing a program that includes training, policy development, and research. The Society continues to play a key role in providing leadership to advance patient navigation as a means to improve patients' access to care, movement through the health care system while furthering patient centered care, patients' quality of life and eliminating health outcome disparities.

Implications for nursing practice: With the American Cancer Society navigation model, navigators are trained to meet with patients, identify barriers to care, and work with institutional health care teams to support patients and assist staff with aspects of care that can be managed by non-medical personnel.